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Billionaire Elon Musk has announced his willingness to operate SpaceX’s satellite internet system, Starlink, in the Gaza Strip area to support aid organizations. Musk posted on his X account that Starlink will provide connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.

The introduction of Starlink into the Gaza Strip, however, raises concerns about the potential access of the terrorist organization Hamas to the system. This could potentially assist Hamas in its conflict with Israel.

In preparation for a major ground incursion into the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted internet and media infrastructure in the region on Friday. This action aimed to disrupt communication among Hamas operatives and hinder their ability to prepare and coordinate. The move is justified by the military viewpoint as a strategic blockade to safeguard Israeli soldiers’ lives and enhance the effectiveness of the upcoming ground offensive.

In response to Musk’s announcement, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karai stated that Israel will use all means at its disposal to fight against Hamas’s potential use of Starlink for terrorist activities. Karai suggested that Musk should condition the use of Starlink with the release of abducted individuals.

Cutting off most communication between the Gaza Strip and the world has garnered criticism from various sides, including American Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She expressed her concerns, stating that cutting off media access for a population of 2.2 million people is unjustifiable.

Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system, with thousands of small satellites in low earth orbit, offers high-speed internet access globally. Musk oversees more than 4,500 active internet satellites orbiting the Earth, constituting 50% of all satellites and delivering satellite connectivity to approximately 60 countries. The ultimate goal is to expand this constellation to 42,000 satellites, ensuring global coverage.

While Musk asserts that Starlink will be used exclusively for the benefit of humanitarian organizations, there are concerns about verifying the identities of system users, potentially enabling Hamas to gain control of the ground stations. If Starlink is activated in the Gaza Strip, it is highly likely that Hamas will gain internet access through Musk’s initiative.

Elon Musk’s decision to operate Starlink in the politically charged Gaza Strip region has sparked discussions about the implications of his technology and its inadvertent assistance to Hamas in its conflict with Israel.

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