Gaza’s fragile internet lifeline: Nattat’s battle to keep his neighbourhood connected

For Ali Nattat, the day begins with a look at the sky. In Gaza, the sunlight falling on his solar panels determines whether he can keep his neighbourhood connected to the outside world. Unlike many homes nearby, Nattat’s modest house survived the airstrikes. It now houses a small internet network that supports his family and provides work for five employees. For displaced families and people working remotely on his street, it also provides a vital means of communication. The network runs entirely on solar energy. Nattat has four small panels of his own and uses additional panels borrowed from a neighbour in exchange for free electricity. Together, they charge salvaged batteries that keep the equipment running after sunset. But the […]