Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized Gaza aid groups, says Elon Musk

Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized Gaza aid groups, Elon Musk said on Saturday. His statement comes after US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, widely known as AOC, inquired how anyone could justify "such an action" following the disruption of communications and the internet in the Gaza Strip last night.

"Cutting off all communication to a population of 2.2 million is unacceptable. Journalists, medical professionals, humanitarian efforts, and innocents are all endangered," AOC said in a post on X. "I do not know how such an act can be defended. The United States has historically denounced this practice," he added.

Responding to the leader, Musk said, “Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.”

READ | Internet and mobile services cut off in Gaza as Israeli forces step up operations

Starlink, created by SpaceX, Musk's aerospace company, is a satellite network designed to offer affordable internet access to isolated areas. Each Starlink satellite has an estimated lifespan of around five years, and SpaceX's ultimate goal is to deploy up to 42,000 satellites as part of this ambitious mega-constellation project.

Internet connectivity was completely cut off across Gaza Strip on Friday amid intense bombardment of the area by the Israeli forces. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society stated that the "interruption impacts the primary emergency number 101 and obstructs the prompt arrival of ambulances to assist the injured" during the continuing airstrikes. "We have completely lost contact with the operations room in the Gaza Strip and all our teams operating there," it wrote on X.

READ | Ground battles rage in Gaza after Israel escalates bombing

Meanwhile, speaking about the communication cut-off Palestinian telecoms provider Jawwal wrote on Facebook, “The heavy bombardment in the last hour destroyed all remaining international routes connecting Gaza to the outside world.”

Global internet monitor NetBlocks also reported "a collapse in connectivity in the Gaza Strip with high impact to Paltel," Jawwal's parent organisation.

"The company is the last remaining major operator to supply service as connectivity declines amid ongoing fighting with Israel," NetBlocks said in a post on X.

(With inputs from AFP)