Elon Musk’s SpaceX-operated Starlink internet service will extend its coverage to the UAE’s field hospital in southern Gaza, facilitating real-time medical consultations via video for patients in need, the UAE’s foreign ministry announced Wednesday.
Over the past four months, communication services in Gaza have experienced numerous blackouts, including a week-long outage in January, the longest since the conflict began.
Limited communication access has been available to some journalists and aid workers near Israeli or Egyptian borders using international or electronic SIMs. However, the general population has struggled to connect with the outside world.
The field hospital in Rafah, staffed by 50 medical professionals, has faced communication challenges, hindering its ability to provide necessary medical assistance to patients via video conferencing with other hospitals. The UAE, maintaining positive relations with Israel, operates one of the few international field hospitals in Gaza.
“This initiative underscores the UAE’s continued support for the Palestinian people during the ongoing conflict,” stated foreign ministry spokeswoman Afra Al Hameli.
Starlink, utilizing a constellation of satellites, offers broadband internet globally, including in remote regions lacking conventional internet infrastructure.
In October, Musk announced Starlink’s provision to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza, eliciting criticism from Israeli officials. However, an understanding was later reached between Musk and Israeli authorities, permitting Starlink’s operation in Israel and Gaza with Israeli government approval.
Israeli communication minister Shlomo Karhi confirmed the approval for Starlink services at the UAE’s field hospital in Rafah, emphasizing stringent security measures for similar approvals in Gaza.
Musk’s involvement in conflict zones, including Ukraine, has highlighted his influence as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Despite controversies, such as accusations of aiding Hamas, Musk’s philanthropic efforts through Starlink aim to address communication challenges in crisis areas.
A visit to the Rafah hospital in December revealed the urgent medical needs resulting from Israeli airstrikes, with the hospital treating numerous casualties and performing hundreds of surgeries amidst challenging conditions.
