Telecoms blackout in Gaza as Israeli tanks advance

Cutting of internet and phone services a sign ground ops are likely to escalate soon

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Israeli tanks were seen in two Gaza City areas that are gateways to the city centre, residents said on Sept 18, while internet and phone lines were cut off across the Gaza Strip, a sign that ground operations were likely to escalate imminently.

Israeli forces control Gaza City’s eastern suburbs and, in recent days, have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa areas, from where they would be positioned to advance on central and western areas where most of the population is sheltering.

“The disconnection of internet and phone services is a bad omen. It has always been a bad signal that something very brutal is going to happen,” said Mr Ismail, who gave only one name.

He was using an e-SIM to connect his phone, a dangerous method as it requires seeking higher ground to receive a signal.

“The situation around me is very desperate. People in tents and in houses are very worried for their lives. Many can’t afford to leave, but many do not want to,” he said, speaking from a coastal area in the west of the city.