[Chapter-delegates] Internet Shutdown in Gaza

Wed Nov 8 06:07:07 PST 2023

Dear ISOC Chapters and Colleagues,

While we stand with the global community in advocating for the unimpeded
operation of internet infrastructure, especially during times of crisis,
any discussion by ISOC or the professional community must include the full
context and facts, especially in light of the grave allegations being made
during this period of intense conflict when complex geopolitical strife is
involved.

Yes, the world and our dear colleagues should be informed about what is
happening in Gaza and in Israel.

On October 7, approximately 3,000 Gazan militants and civilians burst
through Israel’s border and went door to door deliberately murdering
civilians of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. In only one day, with
remarkable organization and precision, they slaughtered, raped, and mutilated
<https://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2023/10/30/morgue-burial-israel-hamas-attack-pkg-sidner-lead-vpx.cnn>at
least 1,400 people, including babies, injured over 4,500 and abducted more
than 240 hostages <https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bynldsc11p>, almost all
of them civilians, including people with disabilities, children,
grandparents and even a 9-month-old baby
<https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/09/world/middleeast/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare>.
Now over a month into the conflict, these hostages are still completely cut
off from the Red Cross or any other humanitarian aid
<https://www.who.int/news/item/25-10-2023-who-calls-for-immediate-release--access-to--and-medical-support-for-hostages-taken-by-hamas>,
as confirmed by the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, the very UN Human
Rights Committee referenced by Mr. Qassrawi above denounces
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/11/un-child-rights-committee-condemns-killing-children-gaza-strip>
only the killing of children in Gaza, with resounding silence on the
children brutally murdered in Israel and currently held hostage by
Palestinian militants in Gaza
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/09/israeli-hostages-relatives-plead-for-help>
. Since that terrible day, Israeli cities are being regularly bombed by
Hamas missiles, and Israeli citizens are called to stay in Shelters.

With this context in mind, ISOC and the Internet Community cannot
simplistically address this situation as an “Internet Shutdown” -
according to its own policy
<https://pulse.internetsociety.org/shutdown-statement> and the global
commitment <https://techagainstterrorism.org/home> to protect human rights
and democratic values against terrorism. In particular, it is crucial to
avoid the creation of inaccurate and one-sided impressions about Israel's
"regularly imposed" Internet shutdowns, in order to avoid assigning blame
or inferring intent without full context. As a matter of fact, recent data
shows only temporary disruptions
<https://ioda.inetintel.cc.gatech.edu/region/1226?from=1695999414&until=1699369014>,
in parallel to the ongoing physical warfare to retrieve the civilians that
Hamas and Palestinian militants abducted from Israel to Gaza (unlike ISOC’s
definition of internet shutdowns, as a governmental or political attempt by
authoritarian governments to control the flow of information or silence
domestic criticism).

As we extend our deepest sympathies to all innocent civilians affected, we
also urge all organizations and outlets releasing reports surrounding these
events to present a balanced and nuanced picture of the crisis. We at
ISOC-IL are fortunate and proud to be active members (it is no coincidence
that the word for “members” in Hebrew is also the word for “friends”) of
the Internet Society community since its inception. We contribute
significantly to the bridging of the digital divide in Israel, working hand
in hand with Arab community leaders and professionals to ensure that the
internet-related needs of Israeli communities are being addressed, and our
ccTLD registry and Internet Exchange work year-round to ensure safe and
uninterrupted internet for all.

More information on ISOC-IL’s emergency activities since the Hamas terror
attacks from Gaza is available here:
https://en.isoc.org.il/about/news-room/october-2023

Sincerely, with hope for better days for all in our troubled region,

Yoram Hacohen

CEO

Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL)
*יורם הכהן | מנכ"ל | איגוד האינטרנט הישראלי ISOC-IL (ע"ר) | Yoram Hacohen*
* | CEO | Israel Internet Association ISOC-IL*
*טל': 03-9700900 | פקס:  03-9700901** | Tel: +972-3-9700900 |
Fax:+972-3-9700901*

*[image: www.isoc.org.il] <http://www.isoc.org.il>*

On Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 11:42 AM Zaher Qassrawi via Chapter-delegates <
chapter-delegates at elists.isoc.org> wrote:

> *Internet Shutdown in Gaza*
>
>
>
> Internet Society – Palestine Chapter would like to draw your attention to
> the ongoing internet shutdown in Gaza, regularly imposed by the Israeli
> government, and the profound effects it is having on the lives of the
> people in the region. It is time to highlight what the United Nations High
> Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in March 2023: that it is essential
> to reinforce universal access to the internet as a human right, and not
> just a privilege.
>
> This internet shutdown has serious implications for basic human rights,
> safety, and the livelihoods of the residents of Gaza. The decision to shut
> down the internet in Gaza has created a significant disruption in the daily
> lives of the people living there. The internet is an essential tool for
> communication, especially in these challenging times, and for accessing
> vital information. With its sudden absence, many aspects of daily life have
> been severely impacted during times of conflict:
>
>
>
>  1. *Healthcare*: In times of crisis, being online is of paramount
> importance as it serves as a lifeline connecting individuals to essential
> services like healthcare and emergency response teams. Access to the
> internet enables people to quickly reach out to medical professionals for
> vital health advice, especially when seconds can make a difference in
> emergencies. Additionally, being online allows individuals to report their
> location, enabling ambulances and first responders to reach them swiftly,
> potentially saving lives. In situations where every moment counts, the
> internet serves as a crucial tool to bridge the gap between those in
> distress and the assistance they urgently require. The internet shutdown
> has hindered access to medical advice and healthcare information,
> potentially putting lives at risk. Dr. Duaa Abu Shakra was a real-life
> example of such a need when she sent a message from the ruins of her
> destroyed house for help. This message allowed first responders to reach
> her and save her life along with her family.
>
>
>
>  2. *Communication*: The ability to communicate with loved ones, access
> critical information, and maintain contact with the outside world is now
> severely limited. Families are struggling to connect with each other, and
> many are left in the dark about the safety and well-being of their
> relatives in other parts of the world.
>
>
>
> 3. *Information Flow*: Access to accurate and timely information is
> crucial, particularly in times of crisis. The internet shutdown limits the
> ability of the people in Gaza to stay informed about the evolving
> situation, which can have serious implications for their safety and
> well-being. This raises concerns about the Israeli government's willingness
> to conceal what happened in Gaza without any witnesses.
>
>
>
> We call upon the international community to urge the Israeli government to
> reconsider the internet shutdown in Gaza and to find alternative means to
> address their concerns while ensuring that the basic human rights and needs
> of the people in the region are met. It is essential to remember that a
> thriving and connected community is more likely to contribute to peace and
> stability in the region.
>
> We urge the international community to closely monitor the situation and
> work towards a resolution that respects the rights and well-being of all
> individuals affected by this internet shutdown.
>
>
>
> *Internet Society*
>
> *Palestine Chapter*
> https://isoc.ps/?p=582
>
>
>
>
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>
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