Telecom Heroes Brave Israeli Bombings to Keep Gaza Connected

Despite the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, the Palestine Telecommunications Company (PalTel) has been working tirelessly to keep the telecoms network operational. PalTel staff members, risking their lives, have repaired generators, laid cables, and maintained the network infrastructure amidst intense Israeli aerial bombardment. The company's extensive preparations, including burying cables up to 26ft deep and implementing multiple layers of redundancy, have helped keep the network running. However, the relentless bombings have still taken a toll, with 70% of the mobile network offline. The network's reliance on Israeli-controlled cables and fuel leaves it vulnerable to potential disruptions, highlighting the critical importance of telecommunications for rescue services and documenting the reality of conditions on the ground in Gaza.