Israel, Musk reach ‘significant agreement’ on use of Starlink in Gaza

Elon Musk initially announced that Starlink could be used by internationally-recognized aid groups in Gaza.

[{"selector":"#anim-c8f387f0-1baf-44cc-8127-31516a5308dd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-21.874999829338588%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The decision has been reversed, and Starlink can now operate in Israel and Gaza only with the approval of Israel's Ministry of Communications.

[{"selector":"#anim-32c7905e-e9f7-443d-ba6a-cacf2ab93f14 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-24.108170153591328%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Shlomo Karhi, Israel's Minister of Communications, announced a 'significant agreement' with Musk, emphasizing its importance in the context of the conflict with Hamas-ISIS.

[{"selector":"#anim-68b01521-1141-46d9-804e-558cd1eb9558 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.812499744007886%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Musk is currently in Israel, meeting with the country's leadership amid the ongoing war with Hamas.

[{"selector":"#anim-42df0ace-43c8-4361-b21e-2e68b6e7da41 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0, 9.839028959335353%, 0)","translate3d(0, 0%, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The initial announcement about Starlink support for Gaza came after the IDF targeted internet and media infrastructure in the region, aiming to disrupt communication among Hamas operatives.

[{"selector":"#anim-130669ef-153c-43c7-9b66-7d09a33c7517 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, -6.192054726739116e-7%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The quick reversal may have implications for the availability and use of Starlink in conflict zones or areas with limited connectivity.

[{"selector":"#anim-08d2b1c9-4fce-4c2f-a55c-cea5c49c7121 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.179687404002955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The initial announcement raised hopes for improved connectivity for aid organizations in Gaza.

[{"selector":"#anim-df524261-8149-43ec-8be1-1b74d5fcf930 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-23.283320898267142%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] It is unclear why the reversal occurred and what factors influenced Musk's decision.

[{"selector":"#anim-73a743fe-8145-4e74-835b-d470ae7e6bde [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] However, the decision has been reversed after just four hours.

[{"selector":"#anim-dbd1b9f8-1ae0-4262-997f-c48de2ed8e87 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The announcement was a positive development for access to internet services in the region.