Gaza Goes Silent: Complete Communications Shutdown Isolates Entire Population

Last remaining fiber-optic cable destroyed, leaving ambulances and aid workers operating blind

[1/3] Palestinians walk in the street amid a heatwave and lengthy power cuts at Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem Purchase Licensing Rights

Gaza has lost all connectivity to the outside world. On June 12, the Palestinian Telecommunications Authority confirmed that all internet and phone services were cut off after the last remaining fiber-optic route was damaged. [1]

Gaza faces what appears to be its most comprehensive communications shutdown yet. Families can't check on each other. Doctors can't coordinate between hospitals. When people cry out for help, there's no way for that cry to be heard.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society can't even contact their own emergency teams.[1] Ambulances are driving around hoping to find emergencies because they can't receive calls. They're walking through the valley of darkness, both literally and digitally.

The blackout started June 10 when strikes took out the main fiber backbone in northern Gaza. [2] This comes after months of fuel shortages already crippling hospitals and water plants.

Digital rights group 7amleh calls this "a deliberate and systematic erasure of connectivity."[2] When you can't document what's happening, coordinate emergency response, or let the world know you're alive—that's forced isolation.

During this time, as the Holy Spirit leads, let us lift up our voices in prayer for those in Gaza. We are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Let us all cry out to the Lord and ask that His mercy and grace may be upon them. Cry out in repentance for them just in case they can't do it for themselves. Cry out that the favor of the Lord restores all communication speedily so that they may get the help that they need. Ask the Holy Spirit to encounter them by way of dreams and visions so that they may be comforted by Him. Even though the people of Gaza are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, they shall fear no evil for the Spirit is with them—His rod and His Staff shall comfort them. Let us ask the Lord to have mercy on the people of Gaza, and may He take what the enemy meant for evil and use it for their good, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sources: [1] WAFA Palestinian News Agency - "Complete communications blackout in Gaza after Israeli strike on fiber network" (June 12, 2025) [2] Maktoob Media - "Gaza's telecommunications blackout enters third day after Israel targets remaining fiber route" (June 12, 2025) [3] TRT World YouTube Channel - Initial reporting on Gaza communications blackout