**Israel’s Minister of Communications Reacts Angrily to Elon Musk’s Offer to Connect Gaza to the Internet**
In a recent statement made on Twitter, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk expressed his intention to connect the Gaza Strip to the Internet and provide help to its residents. This announcement has led to a significant backlash from Israel’s Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karai, who responded with anger and concern.
Minister Karai strongly disagreed with Musk’s proposal, citing potential security risks associated with the Hamas militant group. In his tweet, Karai stated, “Israel will use all the means at its disposal to fight this. Hamas will use it for terrorist activity. There is no doubt about it. We know it, and Musk knows it. Hamas is ISIS.”
Furthermore, the Minister of Communications declared that his ministry will sever all communication with Musk’s company, Starlink, as a response to the billionaire’s statement. Karai challenged Musk by saying, “Musk can condition this on the release of our kidnapped babies, boys, girls, elderly people. All of them. Until then, the Ministry of Communications under my leadership will cut off all contact with Starlink.”
Elon Musk swiftly responded to Karai’s concerns, assuring that the use of Starlink would strictly focus on humanitarian purposes and not contribute to any acts of terrorism. Musk emphasized that exhaustive checks with both the United States government and the Israeli government would be carried out before the connectivity service is activated in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier today, Musk’s offer to connect the UN and recognized aid organizations in Gaza to the internet through Starlink gained attention. This offer comes after the internet in the Gaza Strip reportedly collapsed during the Israeli Defense Forces’ ground operations. Responding to Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who expressed her satisfaction with the internet being cut off in Gaza, Musk replied, “Starlink will provide connectivity to aid organizations recognized by the world in Gaza.” Additionally, Musk confirmed that an internet connection will be made available to the United Nations.
The situation continues to evolve as tensions rise between those who view Musk’s offer as a positive humanitarian step and those who express concerns regarding the potential exploitation by Hamas. With the Ministry of Communications now cutting off contact with Starlink, the future of Elon Musk’s initiative to connect Gaza to the internet hangs in the balance.