Jan, 4th 2009
Paltel Group, the provider for fixed, data and mobile telecommunications located in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is warning that Gaza could be disconnected from the outside world as a result of the Israeli air strikes and ground assault in Gaza. Paltel Group has several alternatives  and means that can allow connecting Gaza Strip with the outside world, however only one alternative is still functioning as all other alternatives have been totally damaged as a result of the air strikes and ground assault.

Meanwhile, the services have been extremely affected due to the cutting off of electricity and the inability of our teams to reach the sites and refill the main power generators with fuel. Currently, 90% of the mobile service network is down, in addition to a huge number of fixed lines which are out of order, either due to direct damage or because of the loss of electricity.

We have lost 3 technicians in the attacks, several technicians were injured during their efforts to repair some technical damages, numerous switchboards, mobile masts, and transmission alternatives were totally damaged and destroyed in air raids and the ground attack. Despite all obstacles, Paltel Group is placing all possible efforts to keep the services functioning in Gaza Strip even at minimum capacity.

We are warning the international agencies and community that the connection between Gaza and the outside world as well as the internal telecommunication services could be lost at any moment, which would affect the humanitarian and medical emergency efforts in place and the ability to contact the emergency and hospitals numbers, in addition to the negative psychological impact on all Gaza residents.