(Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Israel has opened the door for Starlink to launch in the country, including at a hospital in the Gaza Strip, amid its ongoing war against Hamas.
On Wednesday, Israel’s Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, issued a license to SpaceX to operate the satellite internet system, which can deliver high-speed broadband even when ground-based networks have been cut off.
Israel initially clashed with SpaceX about offering Starlink access in the Gaza Strip to humanitarian groups. Karhi pointed to the threat of Hamas commandeering the technology when internet access in Gaza has broken down. But it looks like authorities reached a deal that’ll permit Starlink access in one hospital operating in Rafah, which is located at the southern border of the Gaza Strip.
“Today, the Israeli security authorities approved the provision of Starlink services at the UAE's field hospital operating in Rafah,” Karhi added. “Starlink low latency high speed connections will enable video conferencing with other hospitals and real-time remote diagnostics.”
For now, the Starlink access will be isolated to one hospital, but it could expand to other humanitarian groups operating in the area. “Units in the Gaza Strip to support humanitarian causes will be approved individually, only after Israeli security forces confirmed it to be an authorized entity with no concern of risk or possibility of endangering national security,” Karhi added.
In response, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted: “It is our hope to help both the people of Israel and, with all due care, innocent civilians in Gaza.”
The news arrives when Rafah has become flooded with refugees fleeing the violence. Although Israel and Hamas could reach a cease-fire, NPR reports that many residents in Rafah are bracing for a major Israeli incursion into the area.
Outside Gaza, Israel plans to deploy Starlink in a limited stage before a broader expansion. The country issued the license to SpaceX in the hopes that Starlink will supply “continued access to broadband services, even in the case of disruptions in wired and cellular communication,” Karhi said.