Gaza: A new global initiative, #ReconnectGaza, has been launched to address the critical need for restoring telecommunications infrastructure in Gaza. This campaign arises in response to the deliberate destruction of Gaza's telecommunications network due to ongoing conflict, leaving millions disconnected from the world, hampering emergency response efforts, and further crippling an already struggling economy.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the launch event included a presentation that highlighted the extensive damage to Gaza's telecommunications infrastructure and outlined the campaign's objectives. It was followed by a panel discussion titled "Connectivity as a Lifeline: Restoring Human Rights Through Telecommunications," featuring international experts on digital rights, humanitarian connectivity, and telecommunications policy.
The ongoing conflict has left Gaza's telecommunications infrastructure in a dire state, with estimates indicating that 75% of the infrastructure has been damaged and 50% completely destroyed. This loss of connectivity has severely impacted essential services, obstructing healthcare coordination, disrupting education, and cutting off Palestinians from the digital economy, as noted by the center.
The #ReconnectGaza campaign aims to mobilize global advocacy, urging governments, international bodies, and tech companies to undertake immediate and sustained action. A significant component of this effort is a petition directed at the member states of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), calling for decisive actions to restore and rebuild Gaza's communications infrastructure.
The center emphasized the need for emergency connectivity solutions, such as eSIM cards, satellite internet access, and mobile communication hubs, to restore basic services. Additionally, the campaign calls for long-term investments in modern telecommunications infrastructure, incorporating fiber optics and renewable energy-powered networks, to support education, healthcare, and economic recovery.
A fundamental aspect of the campaign is the advocacy for an independent Palestinian ICT sector, free from external control, to ensure equitable access to modern telecommunications and internet services. This is seen as a crucial step towards ending the enforced digital isolation experienced by Palestinians.
