Human Rights Watch expressed on Saturday its profound concern regarding the ongoing communications and internet blackout in the Gaza Strip, amidst the backdrop of intensive Israeli bombardment. The esteemed organization has sounded the alarm, suggesting that this disruption could potentially serve as a “cover for mass atrocities” and contribute to a culture of impunity for human rights violations.
Deborah Brown, a senior official at Human Rights Watch, stated in a press release that this severance of information channels could indeed act as a “veil for collective atrocities, aiding and abetting the evasion of accountability for human rights transgressions.”
Palestinian media outlets reported earlier today that the Israeli shelling, targeting a multi-story building that was sheltering displaced individuals in the Al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City, has resulted in the tragic loss of over 100 lives. Eyewitnesses recount, “Dozens of martyrs and injuries began to be transported just an hour ago from homes that were bombarded and destroyed over their residents’ heads in Al-Shati camp, near Abu Haseera Street, specifically in the Al-Mo’oun area, as well as near the Al-Shifa Medical Complex.”
The Gaza Strip witnessed a night of extreme violence and intense Israeli attacks, particularly affecting the eastern and northern regions. Units from the Israeli army, supported by military vehicles, made several incursions into the sector, only to be met with fierce resistance from elements of the “Qassam Brigades” and “Saraya al-Quds.”
The sounds of severe and intense clashes echoed through the areas east of Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza, and in the town of Beit Hanoun in the northern part of the sector.
“Qassam Brigades” and “Saraya al-Quds” announced in separate statements that their units confronted the Israeli military advances.
The Israeli army stated that the ongoing heavy bombardment of Gaza represents a new phase in the war on the sector. RT’s correspondent reported a disruption in communications and internet services in the Gaza Strip due to the massive Israeli military attack, a fact corroborated by the Palestinian company “Jawwal.”
A “Fox News” correspondent described the situation, saying, “The attack on the Gaza Strip right now is the most insane I have ever seen. The strongest attack since the beginning of the war.”
This alarming situation has garnered international attention, as the blackout not only obstructs the flow of information but also hinders humanitarian and medical responses to those affected. The international community, along with human rights organizations, are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the restoration of communications to facilitate relief efforts and uphold human rights standards.
