Elon Musk's Starlink to provide services for international aid organizations in Gaza

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tesla chief Elon Musk on Saturday announced that his satellite-based communication system Starlink will extend its services to the "internationally recognized aid organizations" in the Gaza Strip after Israel cut off communications networks causing a full blackout in the besieged enclave Friday night.

Elon Musk said on X: "Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza."

A few hours later, Musk again said on X: "We will support the UN and other internationally recognized aid groups."

Earlier, Musk engaged in a conversation with activists and officials on the X platform as they raised their concerns about the blackout of all internet and telecommunication networks in the Gaza Strip, and the consequences it has, especially on the operations of the UN and healthcare services.

While Israel was preparing for an expansive ground operation in Gaza, the Israeli Ministry of Communications said that it started official talks with Musk's company, SpaceX, to provide Starlink services as a backup in the event that other systems fail in Israel.

The Israeli ministry stated this step will ensure that towns located on the front lines of the Gaza enclave and war zone areas receive continuous internet services.