Israel Slams Elon Musk's Proposal to Provide Internet Connectivity in Gaza

Israel has criticized Elon Musk”s proposal to extend internet connectivity to international organizations in Gaza, citing concerns that Hamas may take advantage of it. This comes in the wake of increasing reports about missing aid agency volunteers in Gaza, and Elon Musk”s recent announcement to provide internet connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in the region through Starlink.

Musk stated on X, “Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.”

Musk”s initiative follows a statement by United States Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who labeled the cutting off of communications in Gaza as “unacceptable.”

Starlink, developed by Musk”s California-based SpaceX spacecraft manufacturer, utilizes a constellation of satellites to provide internet connectivity in over 60 countries, including areas that lack traditional telecommunications infrastructure.

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi strongly criticized the idea on X.

“Israel will utilize all available means to oppose this. There is no doubt that HAMAS will exploit it for terrorist activities, and Musk is aware of this. HAMAS is equivalent to ISIS,” Karhi stated, further suggesting, “Perhaps Musk would be willing to condition this support on the release of our abducted citizens, including babies, sons, daughters, and elderly people. If this condition is met, my office will sever all ties with Starlink.”

On Friday, Israel escalated its military operations in the Gaza Strip, which included cutting off internet and communication services, resulting in a near-blackout of information for approximately 2.3 million people in the region. The military has indicated that it is “expanding” its ground operations in the area.”