The importance of telephone and internet connection during humanitarian crises
In conflict zones, civilians trapped in fighting suffer not only physical violence, but also a total disconnection from the rest of the world. Indeed, during wars and humanitarian crises, telecommunications are often the first victims, leaving populations isolated and deprived of any means of communication.
However, the need for a telephone and internet connection in times of crisis is crucial. This is what Mirna El Helbawi understood during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Founder of the Connecting Gaza initiative, her mission is to help Palestinians escape telecom blackouts thanks to eSIMs, virtual SIM cards.
El Helbawi, accompanied by a small group of volunteers and international donors, managed to restore telephone and internet connection to more than 200,000 Palestinians in Gaza. She says their work will continue until the devastating war between Israel and Hamas ends.
Why is it so important to maintain access to communications in times of crisis?
First of all, the right to communicate is a fundamental human right, as important as access to food and water. Without means of communication, Palestinian civilians trapped in combat zones cannot find out about each other or call for help. Emergency and medical workers cannot coordinate their responses, and journalists cannot document atrocities on the ground, including possible war crimes.
The consequences of this total communication cutoff are devastating. Civilians are left alone, without a way to call a truce or share their suffering with the world. It’s like being murdered in silence, without being able to cry out for help.
The positive impact of eSIMs in crisis situations
Thanks to eSIMs, El Helbawi and his team managed to bypass the telecom blackouts imposed by Israel and restore the connection for thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. eSIMs allow users to access a foreign network and benefit from connectivity despite local outages.
This has an immense impact on the lives of civilians affected by the conflict. They can now communicate with their loved ones, ask for help in an emergency and share their experiences with the rest of the world. Medical workers can coordinate their efforts and journalists can report on atrocities.
The importance of access to communications technologies during humanitarian crises should not be underestimated. It gives victims a voice, helps document abuses and human rights violations, and provides a means to seek international aid and truce.
By providing this opportunity to Palestinians in Gaza, Mirna El Helbawi and her team are providing valuable support to those who need it most. Their work highlights the importance of preserving basic rights during conflict and shows how technology can be used to help populations in distress.
In conclusion, telephone and internet connection are fundamental rights in times of crisis. Initiatives like Connecting Gaza offer a glimmer of hope for civilians trapped in conflict zones, giving them the opportunity to communicate, seek help and share their stories with the world. It is crucial to support these efforts and recognize the importance of keeping these lines of communication open during humanitarian crises.