Emirati blogger behind Musk's decision to provide Starlink to aid organisations in Gaza

Gulf Today Report

An Emirati blogger Hamad Al Majidi was able to convince American billionaire Elon Musk to open the satellite network Starlink developed by Musk's space flight company SpaceX for Gaza to help the United Nations teams in their humanitarian work in the Palestinian enclave. 

Al Majidi tweeted to Elon Musk, saying, “UN Secretary-General António Guterres has teams leading the humanitarian efforts in Gaza, all of which have lost contact with the outside world. There are teams from UNDP in Gaza led by Achim Steiner, a team from UN Volunteers led by Toily Kurbanov, and other teams belonging to UNICEF in Gaza.”

He continued, “Any of them should be more than happy to file an official request if that’s what you need on behalf of any of these UN teams for securing Starlink terminals & connections.

"This is not even about free speech, it is about survival at this point. If you do supply them and Israel blocks their entry, you will have done your part.”

Elon Musk responded to the tweet, saying, “We will support the UN and other internationally recognized aid groups.”

Activist and doctor Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis was the first to ask Musk to intervene and secure the Internet through his company, SpaceX.

Loupis said: “Dear Elon Musk, Gaza is being bombed, and the Internet and telecommunications have been cut off. "They need Starlink immediately."

After a series of tweets, Hamad also joined the conversation.

Al-Majidi said in another message: “This tweet is just one of thousands of tweets that were written in various languages by users from all over the world with a desire to help the oppressed in Gaza by connecting them to the Internet... It may be of benefit and Elon can Help them, and Israel may prevent him from sending Starlink devices, which will require electricity anyway and which is not currently available in Gaza.”

He added: “But what is important is that every voice makes a difference and every platform makes a difference, and it does not matter who Elon Musk or others respond to whom. What is important is to convey the idea in a respectful manner and without offense, so that it may be heard... and I ask God to enable us and you to do good.”