Elon Musk's Starlink Gets License For Israel, Parts Of Gaza
Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, has been granted a license to operate in Israel and select areas of the Gaza Strip.
This came after commitments to prevent the service's misuse by the militant group Hamas.
Starting soon, an Israeli subsidiary of Starlink will start selling terminals, initially limited to approved clients such as local councils and government agencies in Israel. Specific Gaza-based humanitarian units will also gain access pending Israeli security clearance to ensure no threat to national security.
Starlink, increasingly vital in conflict zones, was notably activated in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, even seeing use by Russian forces. In Israel, it will serve as an emergency communication backup, with SpaceX ensuring Hamas cannot exploit the service.
The UAE is set to roll out Starlink at a field hospital in Southern Gaza, collaborating with international bodies, as per a UAE foreign ministry spokesperson.
The service's approval follows a history of conflict, including an incursion by Palestinian militants into southern Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and hostages on both sides.
Despite Musk's recent gestures of support for Israel, including a visit to massacre sites, he has faced criticism over his handling of antisemitic issues and hate speech on his social media platform, previously known as Twitter.
Musk's initial proposal to open Starlink to Gaza aid groups was retracted after a strong rebuke from Israeli authorities.
Starting soon, an Israeli subsidiary of Starlink will start selling terminals, initially limited to approved clients such as local councils and government agencies in Israel. Specific Gaza-based humanitarian units will also gain access pending Israeli security clearance to ensure no threat to national security.
Starlink, increasingly vital in conflict zones, was notably activated in Ukraine following Russia's invasion, even seeing use by Russian forces. In Israel, it will serve as an emergency communication backup, with SpaceX ensuring Hamas cannot exploit the service.
The UAE is set to roll out Starlink at a field hospital in Southern Gaza, collaborating with international bodies, as per a UAE foreign ministry spokesperson.
The service's approval follows a history of conflict, including an incursion by Palestinian militants into southern Israel on October 7, resulting in significant casualties and hostages on both sides.
Despite Musk's recent gestures of support for Israel, including a visit to massacre sites, he has faced criticism over his handling of antisemitic issues and hate speech on his social media platform, previously known as Twitter.
Musk's initial proposal to open Starlink to Gaza aid groups was retracted after a strong rebuke from Israeli authorities.
