The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Gaza Strip announced on Thursday a severe escalation in the region’s digital blackout, attributing the crisis to deliberate Israeli targeting of critical telecommunications infrastructure.

The central and southern governorates have now joined Gaza City and northern areas in experiencing complete digital isolation for the second consecutive day, marking a significant deterioration in connectivity.

In a statement, the Authority warned that the ongoing destruction of telecommunications networks and main service routes threatens to entirely disconnect Gaza from the outside world. This blackout is severely disrupting civilians’ access to essential services, including relief, healthcare, media, and education, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Authority reported that Israeli forces are actively blocking technical crews from repairing damaged cables and obstructing access to alternative emergency routes. Despite months of efforts to maintain and repair these alternative pathways, the statement noted that Israeli authorities have consistently denied access, deepening the communications crisis and prolonging Gaza’s enforced isolation.

Describing the situation as a serious escalation with profound humanitarian and social consequences, the Authority called on local and international bodies to urgently intervene. It urged immediate action to secure safe access for technical teams to outage sites to carry out critical repairs.

The blackout, now affecting all of Gaza, underscores the growing challenges faced by the region’s 2.3 million residents amid ongoing conflict and restrictions, with no immediate resolution in sight. (ILKHA)