Armed conflict between Palestinian militant groups and Israeli military forces began on 07 October 2023. The conflict has resulted in a dire and devastating humanitarian crisis and significant disruption to communications networks, ultimately impeding life-saving humanitarian operations. The WFP-led Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) was activated on 31 October 2023 to meet the urgent need to support access to reliable shared communications services for humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza. 

A ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian armed groups came into effect through mediation by Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America (USA) on 19 January 2025. The conflict, which began on 07 October 2023, has severely impacted the communications infrastructure in Gaza, with limited telecommunications and internet services available across the Gaza Strip. Limited access to connectivity and secure radio communications is severely hampering the humanitarian response and compromising the safety and security of staff in the field. 

The ETC urgently requires US$2.5 million, as requested in the Flash Appeal for the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2025, to sustain critical lifesaving operations in Gaza through the end of the year. This funding is essential to enable the ETC to provide coordination and information management activities and deploy shared communications services in key locations across Gaza, supporting the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian efforts. The ETC is engaging with potential donors to ensure continued service delivery, contribute to staff safety, and enhance the operational capacity of life-saving humanitarian efforts in Gaza. 

On 10 February, the ETC received US$1.5 million from the US Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) to support fuel supplies for the telecommunications sector in Gaza, ensuring the availability of critical communication services for humanitarians and the affected population. However, this funding is not part of the 2025 Flash Appeal requirement and does not contribute to the ETC’s overall funding against the appeal.