Phone and Internet service slowly return for Gaza residents amid Israeli airstrikes

A picture taken from southern Israel along the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing in Gaza, on October 29, 2023 amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. (Photo by Menahem KAHANA / AFP)

Telecommunications providers in Gaza have reported that residents are getting their phone and Internet service back, two days after it was abruptly cut off.

The blackout began on Friday night amid the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s expansion of their ground operations in the Gaza Strip. Only a small number of Palestinians with international SIM cards or satellite phone service were able to get online or call.

Internet-access advocacy group NetBlocks.org confirmed that Internet service was restored by Sunday night.

The Israeli military has been maintaining a "total siege" over the Gaza Strip, with residents struggling to find food, water or basic health necessities. Residents reportedly looted aid warehouses in search of help.