Report: Elon Musk speaks to Shin Bet chief on supplying internet to Gaza

Report: Elon Musk Speaks to Shin Bet Chief on Supplying Internet to Gaza

X owner Elon Musk has spoken to Israel’s Shin Bet head Ronen Bar after saying he would enable some internet access in Gaza through his Starlink satellite network, Hebrew media outlets reported Monday.

Musk’s Commitment to Aid Organizations

According to the reports, Musk told Bar he would only grant access to recognized aid organizations. This commitment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, which aims to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in developing countries.

Israel’s Internet and Phone Access Restrictions

Israel is believed to have cut off much of the Strip’s internet and phone access, starting Friday, to limit Hamas’s communications capabilities as it expands its ground operations in the territory, in a war launched after Hamas terrorists massacred 1,400 people in southern Israel on October 7. Israel says its offensive is aimed at destroying Hamas’s military and governance capabilities, and has vowed to eliminate the entire terror group, which rules the Strip. It says it is targeting all areas where Hamas operates while seeking to minimize civilian casualties.

Musk’s Consultation with Security Officials

According to Channel 12, Musk said he would double-check with Israeli and US security officials before enabling any connections. This demonstrates Musk’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the internet access provided through Starlink.

Gradual Restoration of Connectivity

On Sunday, Reuters cited Palestinian media reports that telephone and internet connectivity were gradually returning to the Strip. The global network monitor Netblocks also said that internet connectivity was being restored. This restoration of connectivity is a positive step towards achieving Goal 9 of the SDGs.

Starlink’s Support for Aid Organizations

The reports came two days after the billionaire said that Starlink would support internet access for “internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.” This initiative directly contributes to Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it involves collaboration between Starlink and aid organizations to address the urgent need for communication in Gaza.

About Starlink and its Impact

Starlink is a network of satellites in low Earth orbit that can provide internet to remote locations, or areas that have had normal communications infrastructure disabled. Its deployment in Gaza would greatly benefit the local population, enabling access to vital information, communication, and support services.

Response from Israeli Communications Minister

Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi threatened to cut off contact with Starlink if Musk went ahead. On X, Karhi tweeted: “Israel will use all means at its disposal to fight this. HAMAS will use it for terrorist activities.” This highlights the complex political and security considerations involved in providing internet access in conflict zones.

Request from the World Health Organization

In response to Musk’s offer, the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “We could really benefit from Starlink to try getting in touch with our staff and health facilities in Gaza. How can we make it happen?” This request emphasizes the critical importance of internet connectivity for essential services, particularly in healthcare, aligning with Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Impact on UN Agencies and NGOs

UN agencies and NGOs had on Saturday reported that they lost contact with their teams in the Gaza Strip. “Hospitals and humanitarian operations can’t continue without communications,” Lynn Hastings, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, wrote on X. Restoring internet access through Starlink would enable these organizations to resume their vital work in Gaza.

Previous Deployment of Starlink in Ukraine

The Starlink satellite internet service was deployed in Ukraine shortly after the Russian invasion in February 2022. The network, which helps increasingly high-tech soldiers to operate in areas where other means of communication are down, is a key battlefield tool for Kyiv. This demonstrates the versatility and impact of Starlink in various contexts.

Musk’s Role in Preventing Conflict

In September, Musk said he had prevented Ukraine from wiping out Russia’s Black Sea navy fleet last year by denying Starlink internet access. This highlights Musk’s involvement in geopolitical matters and his recognition of the potential consequences of providing internet connectivity in conflict zones.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the issue of internet access in Gaza and its impact on communication and humanitarian operations. This is connected to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. The article also mentions the conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the need for strong institutions and peace, which are addressed by SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

The article emphasizes the importance of internet access in Gaza, particularly for aid organizations and humanitarian operations. This aligns with SDG 9.3, which aims to increase access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and provide universal and affordable access to the internet. Additionally, the conflict between Israel and Hamas raises concerns about equal access to justice and the need for strong institutions, which are addressed by SDG 16.3.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Internet connectivity in Gaza
• Availability of internet access for recognized aid organizations
• Communication capabilities of aid organizations and humanitarian operations

The article mentions that internet connectivity in Gaza was gradually being restored, indicating progress towards the target of increasing access to the internet. The specific indicator of internet connectivity can be used to measure this progress. Additionally, the article highlights the availability of internet access for recognized aid organizations, which can be measured by tracking the number of organizations granted access. The communication capabilities of aid organizations and the impact on humanitarian operations can also serve as indicators to measure progress towards the targets.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: timesofisrael.com

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