Israel on Saturday denounced a proposal by Elon Musk to provide Internet connectivity to aid organizations in the Gaza Strip, saying Hamas would take advantage.
With electricity and Internet connectivity nearly non-existent in Gaza, Musk tweeted, “Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.”
Starlink is a constellation of satellites providing Internet connectivity in more than 60 countries, in areas with limited telecommunications infrastructure. Starlink is operated by Musk’s California-based SpaceX spacecraft manufacturer and launch service provider.
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi criticized the idea.
“Israel will use all means at its disposal to fight this. Hamas will use it for terrorist activities. There is no doubt about it, we know it, and Musk knows it. Hamas is ISIS,” tweeted Karhi.
“Perhaps Musk would be willing to condition it [on] the release of our abducted babies, sons, daughters, elderly people. All of them! By then, my office will cut any ties with Starlink,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Musk last month in California.
During a 45-minute, livestreamed one-on-one, Netanyahu and Musk discussed artificial intelligence, Iran, antisemitism and judicial reform, among other subjects.
