Cellular Communication Disrupted in Communities near Gaza Due to Ongoing Conflict

Over 36 hours into the ongoing conflict initiated by Hamas, cellular communication in communities surrounding Gaza continues to face severe disruptions. The disruptions stem primarily from challenges in maintaining a stable electricity supply to various areas, compounded by the shutdown of several sites belonging to the electric company in the vicinity of Gaza and Ashkelon.

The situation on the ground has impeded the electricity company's ability to reach affected sites and address faults, consequently impacting the functionality of cellular antennas. News 13 reported that the head of the Negev Fields Council has claimed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are not permitting employees of the Electric Company to access the areas surrounding Gaza.

In response, cellular companies are making efforts to reach these affected sites using protected vehicles and replacing generators, though these generators are also constrained by limited operational time.

Bezeq, a major telecommunications company, has deployed technicians to work in the threatened communities around Gaza and the southern region. These dedicated technicians, putting their lives at risk, are repairing internet and telephony infrastructures that have been damaged during the ongoing conflict. Bezeq emphasized that infrastructure repairs are carried out in coordination with security forces, with technicians only entering locations approved by the authorities. However, some settlements around Gaza remain inaccessible at this stage.

Bezeq further stated that more than 250 of its employees have been called up into the reserves, with the remaining personnel working tirelessly to maintain regular operations and services.

The Ministry of Communications issued a statement addressing the situation, saying, "From the situation assessment we conducted this morning, there are still gaps in the provision of communication services, which are mainly due to a lack of continuous electricity supply. The Ministry, with the assistance of the Southern Command, is preparing to approve the introduction of teams to deal with the electrical failures, the introduction of generators, and the repair of the communication failures in the surrounding area. The communication companies are all mobilized for this purpose, and we are all prepared and ready to restore cellular reception as soon as possible."

As the conflict continues, efforts to restore normalcy to communication services in the affected areas remain a top priority for the authorities and telecommunication companies, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the situation.