Impact Of the Blackout
Israel's 2021 airstrikes caused a severe internet outage in Gaza that left almost two million residents disconnected from the rest of the world. The situation in Gaza, already considered one of the most challenging due to past circumstances, became even more difficult. Without an accessible internet connection, Gazans found themselves further isolated. Necessary information like healthcare guides, communication with friends and family, and even news updates ceased almost entirely.
The 11-day-long aerial attacks saw hundreds of casualties, making it one of the deadliest situations in recent times. Abbas Bahri, the regional IT manager of ACTED, the French Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, stated it as the most testing situation they have ever dealt with. Life in Gaza became increasingly tough as bombardments destroyed homes, hospitals, and schools, hindering communication channels and limiting the residents' information access.
Limited Internet Pre-Blackout
Even before the Israeli attack, the digital landscape of Gaza was burdened with severe limitations. The year 2021 saw the majority of Gazans relying on costly, slow, unreliable mobile data for online access. Efforts to make faster internet connections were often disrupted by power outages and political factors. To make matters worse, the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic made an accessible internet connection a necessity, not a luxury.
The situation worsened with the damage cost by Israel's bombings. The crucially needed optical fiber cables were damaged, and providers struggled to maintain the wavering internet connection. The already scarce resources were now barely clinging onto sanity in Gaza's digital landscape. Technicians worked relentlessly to make do with what little they had.
Dependence on Aid Agencies
International aid agencies running in the Gaza Strip had the sole responsibility of reconnecting the area to the digital world. However, the process of fixing the damaged internet infrastructure was complicated due to reasons like continuous power outages, limited resources, and additional costs. Organizations like ACTED were in the limelight during this struggle, as they played a critical role in supporting the residents.
ACTED was one of the primary organizations that figured out how to circumvent the blockade and bring in internet equipment. Their workers operated under volatile and unpredictable conditions and built an internet system using small antennas and satellite links. This allowed Gazans to connect to the internet and manage much-needed health information and other resources.
Healthcare on the Line
After the pandemic, the boom of telemedicine grew exponentially due to the need for healthcare while maintaining social distancing protocols. Unfortunately, even this digitized medical approach was on the line due to Israel’s bombardment. Gaza's healthcare infrastructure was already in a critical state, but this additional blow made things drastically bleak.
With the healthcare infrastructure of Gaza hanging by a thread, health centers mostly relied on WhatsApp and Zoom to connect with patients. The internet blackout meant that these connections were lost and patients were left without the support they needed. Any further delay or interruption in the availability of these services could have caused a significant health crisis.
Tracing the Roots
Gaza's digital woes can be traced back to Israel's occupation of the area in 1967. Since then, the socio-political landscape of the area has chalked out a complicated narrative. The Israeli government's siege of the Gaza Strip in 2007 had a lasting impact on all aspects of life in the region, and the internet was no exception.
Residents of this region found themselves at odds with the outside world. The residents' internet woes are just one part of the bigger problem. Financial instability and harsh living conditions made access to primary digital services such as online news, communication, and digital education a daunting task.
Gaza's Struggle
Gaza's struggle against digital apartheid doesn't end here. The slightly improved cellular connectivity was compromised by Israel's bombardments, cutting off communication once again. The Gazan tech industry's efforts to stand on their feet were futile due to the damage caused by the bombings.
The Gazan residents' lives are heavily influenced by the digital divide. Despite living in a rapidly advancing digital age, their access to various technological and internet-based services remains minimal and expensive. The internet blackout during the bombing was just another blow to their constant struggle.
Efficient but Expensive Solutions
The international organizations and aid agencies in Gaza got creative, finding a solution to the internet crisis amidst the bombings. They used Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), a type of satellite network system, to maintain internet access. However, the downside of this approach was the cost involved.
While VSATs were efficient as a temporary solution, their operation, equipment, and data costs were significantly high. This made it an unsustainable solution in the long run, especially amid a lack of funds. Thus, the residents of Gaza continue their fight, waiting eagerly for a day they can enjoy uninterrupted, affordable internet access.
International Community's Role
The role of the international community in alleviating Gaza's internet woes became increasingly significant amidst the blackout. Whether it's global tech companies or developed countries, their support was key to providing better internet access to the Gaza strip.
Agencies and organizations worked relentlessly to manage the crisis and provide some form of digital access. Efforts from organizations like ACTED, with their myriad ways to circumvent the blockade, attracted the world's attention. However, their struggle is far from over, and the future remains uncertain.
Looking Ahead
Despite the strict blockades, efforts continue to restore telecommunications in the troubled Gaza strip. The road to recovery is a long one and needs consistent effort on both national and international levels. Connectivity is a basic human right, and it needs to be ensured for the people of Gaza.
Ultimately, the digital future of Gaza heavily depends on its socio-political climate. While the residents have proven their resilience time and again, a complete digital transformation is only possible with considerable foreign aid and sympathetic political conditions. Hoping for a technologically equitable future, Gaza's journey continues.