What's happened
Gaza faces its longest internet blackout as Paltel announces a telecom services blackout due to ongoing aggression. Israel intensifies airstrikes in central and southern Gaza, hindering humanitarian efforts. UN agencies call for more humanitarian assistance to Gaza amidst reports of a communications blackout and escalating violence.
Why it matters
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with the region facing a prolonged internet blackout, intensified airstrikes, and a desperate need for more aid. The blackout hampers communication and emergency response efforts, while the airstrikes impede humanitarian assistance, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. The call for increased humanitarian aid highlights the urgent need to address the dire situation in Gaza and prevent further loss of life.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports on the prolonged communications blackout in Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by civilians and aid workers. The Guardian emphasizes the urgent need for more humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as UN agencies call for increased aid delivery and access to the territory. The Independent underscores the dire situation in Gaza, with authorities warning of widespread famine and disease if more aid is not provided.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in a series of blackouts and intensified airstrikes, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. The damaged infrastructure in Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis, has contributed to the prolonged internet blackout and communication challenges. The ongoing violence and displacement of Gaza's population have further strained resources and hindered aid delivery efforts, prompting calls for increased humanitarian assistance to address the escalating crisis.
More on these topics
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Palestine Telecommunications Company, listed in the Palestine Exchange as PALTEL, is the largest employer in Palestine, employing almost 3,000 people.