Starlink satellite internet enters UAE field hospital in Gaza amid intense Israel-Hamas fighting

Elon Musk’s Starlink – touted as the most advanced internet system globally – ensures streaming, video calls, online gaming, remote working and much more in even the most remote locations on the planet. It just needs an unobstructed view of the sky.

The billionaire entrepreneur took to X on July 24 to announce that Starlink has been made available at a Gaza hospital with the support of the UAE and Israel. Emirati Foreign Ministry HH Sheikh Abdullah later thanked Musk for supporting the UAE field hospital in Gaza.

It is a landmark development as telecommunication services in Palestinian areas have taken a serious hit due to the ongoing brutal Israel-Hamas fighting. Palestinians in the UAE and other countries have not been able to connect to their families and friends in Gaza.

UAE aid to Gaza under Operation Chivalrous Knight 3

The Gaza crisis erupted on October 7 as Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israeli cities, killing some 1,200 people and taking several others hostages. The Israeli military’s retaliatory strikes, on the other hand, have already claimed over 39,000 lives.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the UAE has been providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to Gazans. The country launched Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 last year and has already initiated a number of projects under it.

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed issued directives in the earlier part of the conflict to provide medical treatment to 1,000 injured children and 1,000 cancer patients from the besieged Gaza Strip at hospitals in the Emirates.

UAE seeking serious political process for Gaza ceasefire

The UAE values the importance of reducing tensions, countering extremism and putting an end to escalating violence in the Middle East. The Gulf state has been seeking a serious political process to resume negotiations aimed at ensuring an effective Gaza ceasefire.

Under the Chivalrous Knight 3 operation, the UAE has also established a field hospital in Gaza to support Palestinians injured in the conflict. The centre has been carrying out surgeries on a daily basis, including metal implant removals.

Earlier this month, the UAE provided 3 tonnes of medical supplies and a variety of medicines to support the fragile healthcare sector and hospitals still operating in the Gaza Strip. Keep an eye out as the Gulf Independent team brings you more updates on Gaza.