The #ReconnectGaza campaign has been endorsed by APC and several of its member organisations. New endorsements can be added on the campaign website.
This piece was originally published on the website of 7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media.
7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media, in collaboration with the Palestinian Digital Rights Coalition and dozens of international organizations, has launched #ReconnectGaza, a global campaign to demand rebuilding Gaza’s telecommunications network and safeguard the right to communication as a fundamental human right. This campaign comes in response to the deliberate destruction of Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure amidst the genocidal onslaught, which has left millions cut off from the world, restricted emergency response efforts, and further crippled an already devastated economy.
The #ReconnectGaza campaign was launched today during the RightsCon international conference held in Taiwan, bringing together activists and global experts to discuss human rights issues in the digital age. The launch event featured a presentation outlining the scale of destruction and the campaign’s objectives, followed by a panel discussion titled "Connectivity as a Lifeline: Restoring Human Rights Through Telecommunications," featuring international experts on digital rights, humanitarian connectivity, and telecommunications policy.
Following months of war, Gaza’s telecommunications infrastructure remains in ruins, leaving its people isolated and struggling to connect with the world. Estimates indicate that 75% of the telecommunications infrastructure has been damaged, with 50% completely destroyed. The denial of connectivity has paralysed essential services, blocking healthcare coordination, disrupting education, and cutting off Palestinians from the digital economy.
The campaign seeks to mobilize global advocacy and calls on governments, international bodies, and tech companies to take immediate and long-term action. Central to this effort is a petition addressed to member states of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), urging decisive measures to restore and rebuild Gaza’s communications infrastructure.
Immediate action is needed to deploy emergency connectivity solutions such as eSIM cards, satellite internet access, and mobile communication hubs to restore basic services. Beyond emergency measures, the campaign demands long-term investment in modern telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optics and renewable energy-powered networks, to support education, healthcare, and economic recovery.
#ReconnectGaza calls for more than just rebuilding what was lost—it demands a just and permanent solution. A central pillar of the campaign is the demand for an independent Palestinian ICT sector, free from Israeli control, ensuring equitable access to modern telecommunications and internet services. This is a key step towards ensuring Palestinians are no longer subjected to enforced digital isolation.
7amleh calls on everyone to join the #ReconnectGaza campaign, amplify its message, and demand action from decision makers. Connectivity is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. Together, we can ensure that Gaza’s voice is heard and that its people can reclaim their right to communicate, work, and rebuild their future.