Israel and the United Nations are negotiating with Elon Musk's Starlink to deploy its satellite communication system in the Gaza Strip to improve the safety of humanitarian workers. This inicistive was reported by the American news outlet Axios.
The UN has emphasized to Israel that the Starlink system is essential for effective aid distribution throughout Gaza.
Israeli officials confirmed these discussions to Axios, noting that the international body has requested to install Starlink at its headquarters in the region.
Security Concerns
Israeli officials have raised security concerns, fearing that Hamas could gain access to the system. This could hinder Israel's ability to monitor the group's communications.
There is also a concern that Hamas might use the advanced satellite technology to coordinate attacks without detection.
The matter was reportedly discussed during Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's recent visit to Washington. The report, citing four unnamed officials — three Israeli and one from the US — details the potential benefits and risks of implementing Starlink in Gaza.
How Starlink Works
Starlink uses a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide internet connectivity to remote areas or locations where traditional communication infrastructure has been compromised.
This capability could be crucial for humanitarian operations in Gaza, where infrastructure has been heavily impacted.
