Telecom services cut again in Gaza amid escalating Israeli strikes

WEB DESK: In a grim turn of events, telecommunication services were severed across besieged Gaza on Friday, marking the 98th day of the intense conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The region, already grappling with hunger and cold, witnessed Israeli strikes that claimed dozens of lives in southern cities.

The escalation unfolded after a night of relentless Israeli shelling, raising concerns about the conflict widening.

Notably, US and British forces targeted pro-Hamas Houthi rebels in Yemen following Red Sea shipping attacks, adding another layer of complexity to the geopolitical situation.

The southern cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah bore the brunt of strikes and shelling, with many seeking refuge in these crowded areas after fleeing from the north.

Overnight Thursday–Friday, the bombardment resulted in at least 59 casualties and numerous injuries, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

The Israeli military asserted it had targeted seven “terrorists” in Khan Yunis and an additional 20 in the Maghazi area to the north. Footage from the AFP displayed black smoke engulfing Rafah and Khan Yunis, highlighting the intensity of the conflict.

In the midst of the chaos, a mourner at a local hospital questioned the international community’s silence, expressing the desperation felt by the Palestinian people.

In Rafah, resident Fayad Abu Rjeila mourned the loss of civilians in their homes, emphasising that they were innocent people who merely sought to live.

Israel reported the destruction of over 700 rocket launchers in Gaza since the conflict’s initiation on October 7.

Meanwhile, the health ministry figures revealed that the Israeli bombardment has claimed the lives of at least 23,708 people in Gaza, predominantly women and children.

Adding to the suffering, all internet and telecommunications services in Gaza were abruptly cut on Friday due to the Israeli bombardment, leaving the region in darkness.

Paltel, the main operator, lamented the blackout on social media, drawing attention to the dire situation faced by the people.

As the conflict persists, with Israel vowing to eliminate Hamas, the relentless bombardment and ground invasion continue to unfold, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region’s future.

Read next: Global oil prices surge 3%