Ibrahim, a 12-year-old boy, converses with his grandmother, who resides in Gaza, from his residence in Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on January 31st. Due to fear of reprisals from Israeli authorities, the family preferred not to disclose their full names. Rana, aged 46, and her husband Ala’a, aged 54, from their home in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, attempt to contact their family in Gaza. Rana mentions, “Now, when I want to call, I dial each family member one by one, calling them four or five times to see who connects. Just tell me you’re fine, and that’s it. I don’t need more.” However, most of the time, their efforts are in vain, with days passing before receiving a simple text message from someone.
According to Netblocks, a company monitoring internet service disruptions in conflict zones, there have been approximately 10 telecom blackouts in Gaza since the start of the war, with the most recent occurring just a few weeks ago. These disruptions have made it challenging for people in Gaza to communicate with the outside world, affecting their ability to seek help in emergencies and keep loved ones informed of their well-being.
At the Palestinian Telecommunications Co. headquarters in Ramallah, it is revealed that Paltel, one of the two main internet and cell service providers in Gaza, has faced significant challenges during the war. Hamzah Naseef, Paltel’s head of core operations, explains that 80% of the company’s 500 cell towers in Gaza have been destroyed. This destruction has severely impacted the network, making it difficult for residents to stay connected.
Despite facing complex challenges, Paltel has continued to provide essential services during the conflict. Customer service agents have acted as emergency call centers, assisting individuals in connecting with missing family members or calling for ambulances. The company has also worked tirelessly to repair damaged infrastructure and maintain communication lines in Gaza, despite facing obstacles from various authorities.
The ongoing conflict has not only disrupted communication services but has also hindered the work of aid organizations in Gaza. The Red Cross, for example, experienced difficulties setting up internet service due to communication outages. This disruption has made it challenging for aid groups to coordinate assistance efforts and deliver much-needed aid to those in need.
Despite the challenges they face, Paltel employees remain dedicated to their work, striving to provide essential services to the people of Gaza during this difficult time. As Mamoon Fares, the corporate support director for Paltel, acknowledges, “If we are destined to die, we prefer to die doing something useful.”
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