- The Palestinian telecom authority says fuel for network infrastructure is nearly gone, risking a full blackout.
- Power cuts and limited supplies have already reduced internet and mobile access across Gaza.
What happened: Gaza telecom faces shutdown without fuel
The Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has warned that Gaza’s telecom services could shut down completely due to a lack of fuel. The warning came in a statement released on 13 June. The authority said operators have almost no diesel left to run backup generators. These generators are needed to keep mobile and internet services running because the public electricity grid has failed in many areas. If fuel does not arrive soon, the services will stop.
The TRA said many sites are already offline. The problem affects both mobile networks and internet access. Most infrastructure depends on diesel generators. Fuel cannot enter Gaza in enough quantity, and this makes it hard for telecom companies to operate. The situation is now urgent. The authority asked humanitarian groups, telecom regulators, and international organisations to help. They want fuel deliveries and technical support. Paltel, one of the main operators in Gaza, has reduced services because it cannot keep all sites running.
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Why this is important
The loss of telecom services in Gaza can stop people from getting help. It can also make it hard for aid workers to reach others. Phone networks and the internet are often the only way for people to talk or get news during a crisis. If there is no fuel, hospitals and rescue teams will also have problems. Gaza already has long power cuts. Its systems are weak. The conflict and the blockade make it hard to repair things or bring in supplies. The fuel problem adds more pressure to a system that is already close to failing.
This problem has happened in other places. In Yemen and Syria, fuel shortages and broken cables stopped services for many days. The risk in Gaza is now very high. The telecom authority says the network could stop soon. Groups like UN OCHA and the International Committee of the Red Cross need working phone and internet links. These are needed to contact people and send help. If there are no networks, it is hard to reach people or give them support.
