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Starlink, the satellite internet venture led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, has been granted a licence to operate in Israel and parts of the Gaza Strip. The approval comes with a set of stringent measures aimed at preventing Hamas from accessing the satellite internet services. Israel, recognizing the service’s significance, intends to utilise Starlink for emergency backup communications.However, stringent security protocols remain in place to ensure the service’s integrity and prevent unauthorised access.
“Units in the Gaza Strip to support humanitarian causes will be approved individually, only after Israeli security forces confirmed it to be an authorised entity with no concern of risk or possibility of endangering national security,” Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said in the statement.
Why Starlink matters
Starlink’s network of low Earth orbit satellites offers a lifeline to remote areas or regions where traditional communication infrastructure is compromised. With low latency and high-speed connections, Starlink enables critical services such as video conferencing between hospitals and real-time remote diagnostics.
Service Availability
Starlink’s services will be accessible to select authorities within Israel. Additionally, the Israeli government has sanctioned its use at a field hospital operated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in southern Gaza.
Strict dos and don’ts for Starlink’s operations
Initially, Starlink will limit sales to a predefined list of approved clients in Israel, including local councils and government bodies. Units in the Gaza Strip supporting humanitarian causes will be individually approved. Israeli security forces will verify their status, ensuring no risk to national security.
Life-Saving Potential
Access to reliable, high-speed internet via Starlink will facilitate real-time video consultations, potentially saving lives. The UAE Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Afra Al Hameli, expressed support for the deal, emphasising its importance for medical purposes. The UAE plans to collaborate with international and regional organisations to introduce Starlink services at its Gaza field hospital.
Gaza’s hospitals have faced overwhelming challenges during the ongoing conflict, with over 68,000 people wounded according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
Elon Musk’s first request was rejected
Musk, who owns Starlink operator SpaceX, had initially proposed extending access to Gaza aid organisations in October after UN agencies and NGOs reported losing contact with their Gaza teams during a communications blackout. However, he backtracked after facing a furious response from Israeli officials. Karhi too had objected at the time, saying Hamas militants would take advantage of the internet service.
“Units in the Gaza Strip to support humanitarian causes will be approved individually, only after Israeli security forces confirmed it to be an authorised entity with no concern of risk or possibility of endangering national security,” Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said in the statement.
Why Starlink matters
Starlink’s network of low Earth orbit satellites offers a lifeline to remote areas or regions where traditional communication infrastructure is compromised. With low latency and high-speed connections, Starlink enables critical services such as video conferencing between hospitals and real-time remote diagnostics.
Service Availability
Starlink’s services will be accessible to select authorities within Israel. Additionally, the Israeli government has sanctioned its use at a field hospital operated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in southern Gaza.
Strict dos and don’ts for Starlink’s operations
Initially, Starlink will limit sales to a predefined list of approved clients in Israel, including local councils and government bodies. Units in the Gaza Strip supporting humanitarian causes will be individually approved. Israeli security forces will verify their status, ensuring no risk to national security.
Life-Saving Potential
Access to reliable, high-speed internet via Starlink will facilitate real-time video consultations, potentially saving lives. The UAE Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Afra Al Hameli, expressed support for the deal, emphasising its importance for medical purposes. The UAE plans to collaborate with international and regional organisations to introduce Starlink services at its Gaza field hospital.
Gaza’s hospitals have faced overwhelming challenges during the ongoing conflict, with over 68,000 people wounded according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
Elon Musk’s first request was rejected
Musk, who owns Starlink operator SpaceX, had initially proposed extending access to Gaza aid organisations in October after UN agencies and NGOs reported losing contact with their Gaza teams during a communications blackout. However, he backtracked after facing a furious response from Israeli officials. Karhi too had objected at the time, saying Hamas militants would take advantage of the internet service.
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