Even before the start of the war on October 7, 2023, Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure was in a dire state, reflecting decades of Israeli-imposed restrictions that severely limited progress and connectivity. Gaza was already one of the most isolated places in the world, with its telecommunications sector deliberately stifled by Israeli policies designed to deny Palestinians the technological advancements that much of the world takes for granted.
In the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) Israel has controlled ICT infrastructure since it began its military occupation in 1967. Although per the Oslo Accords, an Interim Agreement signed between Israel and Palestinian representatives in 1995, Israel transferred some of this control to the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. Since the Oslo Accords, however, Israel has consistently failed to honor agreements that were supposed to grant the Palestinian ICT sector independence. Instead, Palestinians in Gaza have been restricted to outdated 2G infrastructure for mobile services, preventing reliable access to internet-based applications, high-speed data, or modern communications tools. Gaza is one of the last places on earth with 2G. Regular access to fiber options, essential for modern telecommunications, has been restricted too, and any international connectivity has been channeled through Israeli-controlled networks, leaving Gaza’s connections vulnerable to intentional disruptions.
Since October 7, 2023, the war further devastated this already fragile infrastructure. An estimated 75% of Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure has been damaged, with at least 50% completely destroyed. Communication services have faced multiple interruptions, leading to full blackouts several times. This destruction is not just merely an unintended consequence of the conflict, it reflects an intentional effort to disconnect Gaza.
The deliberate targeting and shut-downs of telecommunications infrastructure has been evident throughout the war. Facilities critical to connectivity have been directly struck, personnel working to maintain services have faced attacks, and Israeli authorities have severed connections at will, demonstrating the ease with which they disable Gaza’s access to the outside world. The use of power outages, displacement of civilians, and coordinated military operations has further compounded the isolation of Gaza’s Palestinian population.
The damage follows a clear pattern, linked to the geographic spread of Israel’s aggression throughout the Gaza Strip. Northern areas of Gaza faced significant damage early on, with destruction gradually spreading to the central and southern regions. These actions have left Gaza increasingly cut off from the world, with its people unable to communicate, access critical information, or seek help during one of the most devastating periods in history.
The interruption of telecommunication services has left people without access to the few remaining reliable electronic sources of information such as online media and messaging platforms, especially after the shutdown of local broadcasting stations and the killing of at least 180 journalists since the start of the genocidal attack. The blackout also had severe impacts on the daily life of people who became unable to call emergency and rescue services, contributing to the death toll increase due to the impossibility or delay in reaching the call centers of those emergency services. Humanitarian organizations have struggled to operate, while civilians face immense psychological distress, unable to contact relatives during the onslaught.
At least 75% of the mobile infrastructure has been damaged, with the fiber optics backbone severely impacted, affecting internet services. Damage to data centers, switches, and underground infrastructure has also been extensive, resulting in only about 25% of infrastructure remaining active in specific areas. The monetary value of the destruction is estimated at around 90 million USD, excluding damage to underground infrastructure.
The situation is dire. With communication lines severed, the people of Gaza are increasingly cut off from the outside world. They are unable to share their stories, access news, or even call for help. Humanitarian organizations are not able to operate, distribute aid, and reach those who are in critical need of aid. Health workers are not able to perform vital tasks due to the lack of connectivity with their peers in the medical profession abroad. In Gaza, people are not able to speak out and document war crimes and atrocities. Businesses, particularly startups and those relying on digital platforms, are crippled, and the already fragile economy faces further devastation.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, passed a resolution in June 2024 to support Palestine in rebuilding its telecom sector. This resolution is a vital step, but further actions are needed to restore connectivity. We must mobilize a broad coalition of stakeholders to ensure that Gaza is reconnected to the world. We call upon international donors and relevant diplomatic missions to apply serious pressure to support the efforts of telecom companies like PalTel, Jawwal, and Ooredoo, and the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy in prioritizing the restoration of services.
Internationally, the ITU must facilitate technical and financial assistance, and governments should provide diplomatic pressure, funding, and technical aid. UN agencies and international bodies should integrate the restoration of Gaza’s telecom infrastructure into their humanitarian and development agendas.
In addition to these broader efforts, we encourage practical actions that can make a difference immediately. Initiatives such as crowdsourcing and donating e-sims have kept some in Gaza connected. We urge support for the deployment of satellite phones and internet services, and the coordination with tech companies to provide temporary solutions like portable Wi-Fi hotspots. These efforts can help ensure that even in the worst conditions, communications remain possible.
The "Reconnect Gaza" campaign is a step towards restoring the basic right to communication for Gaza’s Palestinian residents. We are calling on all stakeholders to join us in this effort—to advocate, to donate, to rebuild.
Given the cross-sectoral nature of telecommunications, rebuilding Gaza’s telecom infrastructure hinges on a sustained cessation of hostilities, ideally underpinned by a long-term political settlement.
However, while long-term solutions are uncertain, it is crucial to address the immediate needs of Gaza’s residents through temporary solutions. These interventions are designed to maintain connectivity and access to vital services even amid uncertainty:
Short to Medium term interventions are focused on restoring essential communication services and returning to pre-war levels of connectivity, aiming to meet urgent humanitarian needs. Key actions include the restoration of basic mobile services through increasing fuel allocations to telecom service providers, facilitated by the UN and other humanitarian organizations, to keep the remaining network operational and to maximize service coverage for those in need. Providing high-speed internet through temporary solutions such as deploying portable Wi-Fi hotspots and satellite internet services can ensure that shelter centers, hospitals, schools, and humanitarian aid organizations maintain vital connectivity. This would be essential for both coordinating aid efforts providing critical services such as e-learning and e-health platforms. With education and healthcare services severely disrupted, internet connectivity can enable e-learning platforms for children and virtual healthcare consultations, offering continuity until the physical infrastructure is rebuilt. Last but not least, humanitarian organizations can leverage mobile connectivity to distribute aid through digital platforms, such as e-vouchers or codes sent directly to citizens’ mobile phones. These can be used to redeem essential products at reliable retail shops or distribution centers, ensuring that aid reaches those in need quickly and efficiently.
Long-term recovery for a resilient future would envision a peaceful, prosperous Gaza that leverages cutting-edge telecommunications like 5G to build a stronger, more connected and more resilient society. This means not just replacing what has been lost but ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian Telecommunications sector- free from external control- that can deliver high-speed, reliable internet for all. Such an effort requires significant investment from the private sector and international community. To ensure sustainable connectivity, we must also prioritize renewable energy solutions. Addressing frequent power cuts through the deployment of renewable energy sources combined with energy storage systems will be key to sustaining connectivity even during a crisis. As for areas where underground infrastructure has been completely destroyed, long-term investment in fiber options and deploying fiber to the home (FTTH) can ensure high-speed internet access, supporting recovery efforts across all sectors of society.
But we can’t do this alone. We need your support to ensure that Gaza is not left in the dark and that its people can reconnect with the world. Join us in demanding the latest technology, a truly independent telecom sector, and immediate action to restore communication and support humanitarian relief. Sign the petition, spread the word, and stand with us in the “Reconnect Gaza” campaign - because your voice can make a difference, and every connection counts. Together, let's build a brighter future for Gaza, a brighter future for Palestine.