Elon Musk recently stated that SpaceX’s Starlink internet service will be used to support communication in Gaza by international aid organizations. He mentioned that it’s not clear who controls the ground connections in Gaza, but no one in that area has requested a Starlink connection yet.
This decision came after a telephone and internet blackout isolated people in Gaza, making it difficult for them to contact their loved ones and hindering the work of humanitarian organizations. These blackouts have worsened the already dire situation.
SpaceX has not yet clarified how they will ensure that Starlink is used by aid organizations and not by other parties, like Hamas.
In the past, Starlink satellites were crucial in maintaining internet connectivity in some areas of Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. Elon Musk refused to extend coverage over Russian-occupied Crimea to avoid his satellites being used for attacks on Russian forces there.
