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Israel has expressed outrage over billionaire Elon Musk’s offer to provide his communication system, Starlink, to aid organizations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi stated that Israel will use all means available to counteract this offer, citing concerns that Hamas might exploit it for terrorist activities. Karhi went on to suggest that Musk could consider linking this offer with the release of Israeli hostages, including babies, sons, daughters, and elderly people.

On Saturday, Elon Musk announced through his platform X that Starlink, the satellite-based internet provider by SpaceX, will support telecommunications connections for internationally recognized aid organizations in the Gaza Strip. However, it remains unclear who will be responsible for the ground connections in the area.

The people in the Gaza Strip have been cut off from the world and each other since Friday evening due to a telecommunication blackout, as Israel’s air and ground attacks intensified. This disruption has exacerbated an already desperate situation, hampering life-saving measures and hindering contact with local staff, according to international aid organizations.

SpaceX has not immediately responded to Reuters’ inquiries regarding how the company will ensure that the Starlink connection is utilized by aid organizations and not the militant Palestinian group Hamas.

It should be noted that Musk previously offered the Starlink system to Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia in February 2022. It has been assisting Ukrainian forces with communication, although Musk has repeatedly threatened to restrict the service.

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