Internet Outages in Gaza: Digital Isolation Deepens Suffering Amid Bombardment

Palestinians hang a phone in a high place in an attempt to catch an internet signal.

In the heart of war and destruction, Palestinians lose their last link to the outside world

Amid the sounds of bombings and warplanes over Gaza, not only is safety absent, but so is the internet, the final thread connecting Palestinians to the world. The repeated and prolonged internet outages have ceased to be a mere technical problem; they represent another form of siege and collective punishment, adding a new layer of isolation and hardship for over two million people.

Israeli Attacks Devastate Digital Infrastructure and Worsen Isolation

Since the start of the Israeli offensive on Gaza on October 7, 2023, intensive airstrikes have caused widespread destruction to communication networks and digital infrastructure. Direct targeting of broadcasting stations, communication towers, and power generators has taken more than 60% of the network offline, with some areas experiencing complete disconnection for consecutive days.

Moreover, residents face significant obstacles in repairing these damages due to Israeli restrictions that block essential restoration work. This has effectively turned Gaza into a digitally isolated zone, deprived of fundamental digital rights that the United Nations recognizes as basic human rights.

Internet in Gaza: From Luxury to Lifeline

In shelters and displaced communities, the internet is no longer a luxury or just a social tool; it has become a daily necessity. Residents depend on the internet to stay connected to the outside world, access news, and receive updates in an environment where local radio stations have been destroyed and transportation is crippled due to fuel shortages.

Impact on Education: Major Challenges for Students

With the collapse of the traditional education system, thousands of students have resorted to temporary online learning via mobile devices. However, recurring internet outages deprive them of continuous access to educational resources and lessons, increasing the risk of academic delays and loss of critical learning opportunities that could shape their futures.

Healthcare Sector Faces Digital Isolation, Exacerbating Medical Crises

Gaza’s healthcare system, already crippled by repeated attacks, faces an additional challenge with internet outages. Medical professionals rely on internet connectivity to send test results, consult with specialists abroad, and coordinate care for critical cases. Interruptions in internet service hinder these processes, worsening the health crisis.

Humanitarian Aid Jeopardized by Internet Disruptions

Thousands of Gaza families rely on the internet to register with humanitarian organizations and receive food aid. Network failures prevent them from registering or tracking their aid requests, causing them to lose access to vital food supplies amid an escalating famine.

Remote Work at Risk Amid Ongoing Connectivity Losses

Remote work constitutes a crucial income source for many Gaza families, especially amid soaring unemployment. However, frequent internet outages disrupt task delivery and communication, threatening the livelihoods of thousands who depend solely on this work.

Internet as a Human Right: An Urgent Necessity in Conflict Zones

International rights organizations emphasize the need to recognize internet access as a fundamental human right, particularly in times of conflict and disaster. The internet provides critical means for communication, emergency response, information access, and reassurance for families. In Gaza, internet shutdowns form part of the siege and military strategy aimed at isolating residents and severing their ties to the outside world, deepening psychological distress and social isolation.

Economic Impact of Internet Outages in Gaza

Local economic experts highlight that continuous internet disruptions have caused substantial financial losses in the digital services and freelance sectors, the few remaining income sources amid harsh economic conditions. Interruptions hinder revenue inflows and undermine the trust of international clients and companies, further destabilizing Gaza’s fragile economy.

Gaza Cut Off Even From the Digital World

Amid ongoing siege and destruction, the internet is Gaza’s last lifeline, slowly being severed. This digital blackout deepens isolation and turns the suffering of more than two million Palestinians into a faint echo unheard beyond their borders. They live in complete media isolation, cut off even from the digital sphere.

While technology elsewhere is used to save lives, in Gaza it becomes an additional tool of deprivation and isolation. The internet is no luxury; it is a vital necessity for survival, especially in times of war.