GAZA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) on Thursday reported a complete shutdown of internet and fixed-line communication services in the Gaza Strip, citing damage to the main fiber optic infrastructure.
In a press statement, the TRC said that the outage occurred after what it described as "the targeting of the last main route for fiber optic cables," leading to a total loss of service across the coastal enclave.
The commission said the damage has severely impacted essential services that rely on telecommunications, including medical and humanitarian operations. It warned that the continued disruption could further isolate Gaza from the outside world.
The TRC added that technical teams have been unable to reach affected areas to conduct repairs, citing restrictions on access and limitations in using alternative routes.
The regulator called for urgent international efforts to enable safe access for repair crews and to restore telecommunications services.
The outage comes amid ongoing conflict in the region. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has conducted a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, following a cross-border deadly attack by Hamas.
According to the Gaza-based health authorities on Thursday, at least 55,207 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of whom are reported to be women and children. ■
