75% of Gaza’s Telecom Infrastructure Severely Damaged

A recent report from the Arab Centre for the Advancement of Social Media, known as 7amleh, reveals that 75% of Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving essential communication services disrupted for millions.

Due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, only 30% of Gaza's communication towers remain operational, limiting connectivity for residents and impacting access to emergency services, virtual learning, and news updates, as per the report.

The study, which references data from WAFA, indicates that over half of the telecom infrastructure in Gaza has been completely destroyed, making communication access even more difficult for families and emergency responders. The Palestinian Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, working with telecommunications companies Palestine Telecommunications Company (Paltel) and Ooredoo, estimates that the cost to rebuild Gaza’s telecom network will reach approximately $90 million.

Since October 2023, the conflict has led to nearly 15 full communication outages, severely restricting Gaza residents’ ability to stay connected with family members and access emergency services. The report underscores that over 718,000 students have been cut off from virtual learning platforms due to the extensive damage, isolating many from essential educational resources.

Telecom companies in Gaza face additional challenges beyond the physical damage to infrastructure, such as fuel shortages and power outages, which make even limited services challenging to sustain. These issues have been compounded by forced displacement, putting extra strain on the already reduced telecom infrastructure, according to the 7amleh report.

As the report points out, some residents have attempted to find alternative solutions, including foreign e-SIM cards and limited satellite internet, though these options come with high costs and coverage limitations. The organization highlights that access to communication is a fundamental human right, referencing Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to information and expression.

The 7amleh report proposes two paths for rebuilding Gaza's telecommunications network. The first is a short-term restoration of critical services through temporary infrastructure, while the second envisions a longer-term reconstruction involving the rollout of 4G and 5G technologies, requiring support from both international entities and private sector investments.

Israeli attacks in northern Gaza on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians, with at least 93 fatalities reported in Beit Lahiya. Additionally, four Israeli soldiers were killed in northern Gaza and one in southern Lebanon, raising the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since October of last year to 777.