In an interesting move that left some social media users bewildered tech magnate Elon Musk decided to provide Starlink communications equipment to internationally recognized aid groups in the Gaza Strip.

The decision came after an exchange with Congresswoman Alexandria Occasio Cortez (D-Ny.) who was decrying Israel’s decision to cut communications in the Gaza Strip.

“Starlink will support connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza.” Musk said on X in a reply to AOC.

AOC said that cutting off communication in the Gaza Strip is ‘unacceptable’ and that she is not sure how it can be defended.

“Cutting off all communication to a population of 2.2 million is unacceptable,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. “Journalists, medical professionals, humanitarian efforts, and innocents are all endangered. I do not know how such an act can be defended. The United States has historically denounced this practice.”

Cortez and other members of ‘The Squad’ such as Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Mi.) have been accused of sympathizing with Hamas militants.

AOC’s statement came after someone with family members in the Gaza Strip decried the decision by Israel.

“I have been trying to reach my family in Gaza for hours with no success. All telecommunications and internet have been cut, while Israeli strikes is literally destroying Gaza from air, land and sea. How many more innocent people: children, parents and grandparents will be murdered before the world steps in?” Said Husam Zomlot, head of the Palestinian mission to the United Kingdom.

Musk has mostly kept quiet about the conflict between Israel and Hamas up to this point, not making a public statement indicating support for either side.  He did not indicate that he would restore communications for citizens of the Gaza Strip.

“We will support the UN and other internationally recognized aid groups,” Musk said.

 

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