In a concerning development, the Gaza Strip has experienced a complete loss of internet connectivity as a result of Israeli airstrikes in the region. Palestinian authorities and the internet traffic group NetBlocks have confirmed the blackout, which severely hampers communication between Gaza and the outside world. This comes as Israel continues to expand its bombardment of the strip following a Hamas attack on Israeli settlements on October 7.

Paltel, the major telecommunications company operating in Gaza, reported that the recent heavy bombardment has caused the destruction of all international connections, effectively isolating Gaza from the global network. Repair efforts are unlikely due to the ongoing bombardment, lack of equipment, and limited supplies. Paltel employees in Gaza are currently seeking shelter and struggling to stay connected.

The loss of internet connectivity could potentially foreshadow an impending ground invasion of Gaza. Residents have already endured significant losses from airstrikes and targeted raids. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, stated on Friday that ground troops are intensifying their activity in Gaza, acting forcefully to achieve the objectives of the conflict.

NetBlocks and Cloudflare, two organizations tracking internet connectivity, observed a sharp decline in connectivity in Gaza. David Belson, head of data insight at Cloudflare, revealed that traffic declined across several governorates, and nearly a dozen major internet service providers experienced a complete drop-off in traffic since the October 7 attacks.

Alp Toker, founder and director of NetBlocks, characterized Friday's disruption as the largest internet blackout in Gaza to date, stating that it has left many without any or limited connectivity.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to inquiries regarding whether their airstrikes or raids had deliberately targeted internet providers. However, the IDF did confirm that strikes were expanded in Gaza, targeting significant terrorist infrastructure.

As the internet blackout persists, critical infrastructure remains a prime target during the Israel-Hamas conflict. In 2014, an Israeli airstrike destroyed Gaza's only power plant, and in recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes have targeted thousands of structures. Paltel has faced difficulties in providing consistent service, previously shutting down phone and internet services in Gaza in 2017 during an electric power crisis. As part of the October 7 attack, it is reported that Hamas took down several Israeli communications towers along the Gaza border.

Al Jazeera, a news service operating in Gaza, confirmed that they can still broadcast and maintain communication through satellite connections, ensuring that news continues to flow from the region.

The lack of internet connectivity in Gaza adds to the challenges faced by residents already grappling with the impact of the ongoing Israeli operations. The disruption further accentuates the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict, as innocent lives continue to be affected and communication channels remain strained.