The communication breakdown has isolated 2.3 million Gazans from each other and from the outside world , exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza. According to a key Palestinian provider, the prolonged loss of communication could occur as Israel intensifies its attacks against Hamas.
Weapons were discovered inside al-Shifa Hospital. Photo: Reuters
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned of the “potential for immediate famine” in Gaza as food supplies have been disrupted under Israeli control and aid is insufficient.
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain said: “With winter approaching rapidly, shelters are unsafe, overcrowded, and lack clean water, people are facing the imminent risk of starvation.”
Palnet, Palestine's main telecommunications provider, said the fuel shortage had brought internet and telephone services to a standstill and could not be restarted unless Israel allowed fuel supplies. This increased the risk of a prolonged outage, following three previous disruptions.
Previous power outages have left Palestinians vulnerable, preventing them from calling ambulances or contacting family members to ensure they are alive.
Aid workers say Israel's blockade of Gaza will devastate humanitarian operations and hospitals in the territory. Some Palestinians are trying to maintain contact by using satellite phones or SIM cards connected to Israeli or Egyptian networks.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 11,470 Palestinians have died, two-thirds of them women and minors. Another 2,700 are reported missing, most likely buried under the rubble.
Hoang Nam (according to Reuters)
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