A complete internet blackout has now engulfed the entire Gaza Strip after earlier outages were reported in southern and central areas, according to Palestinian authorities.
The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA) said on Wednesday that all internet and landline communications in Gaza were down following an Israeli strike on the territory’s last remaining fibre optic cable.
It comes amid massacres at aid stations and a continued hunger crisis across Gaza.
"All internet and fixed-line communication services in the Gaza Strip have been cut off following the targeting of the last remaining main fibre optic line in Gaza," the PA's telecommunications ministry said in a statement, accusing Israel of trying to isolate Gaza from the world.
The Safa news agency also reported a full communications blackout across the enclave, with the northern region, including Gaza City, already offline for several days.
The outage has severely limited Palestinians' ability to report on the ground, including deadly Israeli attacks on civilians seeking aid and hindered the work of emergency responders.
Palestinian Civil Defence workers said they have struggled to pinpoint victims due to the loss of connectivity.
Internet blackouts have occurred regularly in Gaza since Israel launched its war on the territory in October 2023.
More than 55,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Israeli onslaught, with thousands more believed to be buried under the rubble. A punishing blockade has triggered widespread hunger, with dozens, including children, dying from malnutrition.
A controversial US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution system has also come under fire for sparking chaos and bloodshed.
Over 130 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli gunfire in recent weeks while trying to reach aid convoys. The 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation', which bypasses the UN and establishes aid networks, has been condemned by rights and relief groups.
The UN General Assembly is expected to vote Thursday on a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all captives held by Hamas, and the opening of all Israeli-controlled crossings for desperately needed food and aid deliveries.
Last week, the US vetoed a Security Council resolution that called for a ceasefire and demanded Israel lift all restrictions on aid. The new resolution, drafted by Spain, strongly condemns "any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare".
While votes at the General Assembly are not legally binding, unlike those at the Security Council, they are seen as a reflection of global opinion. No country holds veto power at the 193-member assembly, and the resolution is expected to pass overwhelmingly.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas but have yet to yield a breakthrough.
Israel submitted its latest response to Hamas's proposal through mediators.
According to Israel's Channel 12, the response includes some "flexibility", including a pledge to observe a truce if Hamas releases 10 captives.
However, Israel reportedly hardened its position on core issues such as ending the war, the release of captives, and control over aid distribution.
Israel believes around 50 captives are still being held in Gaza, including 24 thought to be alive.
On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had retrieved the bodies of two captives from Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
(The New Arab, Agencies)