US working to keep Gaza's phone, internet services operational
Israel cut communications in Gaza late Friday for over 24 hours as the Israeli military increased strikes and ground operations.
WASHINGTON — Israel’s partial restoration of communications to the Gaza Strip came after the US government "made clear" that phone and internet services should resume in the besieged enclave, the State Department said Monday.
Israel cut Gaza's communications late Friday as the Israeli military stepped up its bombardment and ground operations in response to Hamas’ attacks on Oct. 7 that left more than 1,400 dead in Israel. Aid groups and news outlets, including Al-Monitor, lost contact with their staff in Gaza, and the World Health Organization said the blackout made it impossible for ambulances to reach the injured.
By Sunday morning, phone and internet communications gradually resumed for many in Gaza, according to global network monitor NetBlocks.org.
State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said Monday that the US government is “actively engaged” to ensure communications networks remain operational.
