Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Crisis in Gaza
Introduction
Over two million people in the Gaza Strip face complete isolation from the world, with internet and power access shrinking as Israel continues to retaliate against Hamas atrocities.
Internet Access in Gaza
Internet access is hanging on by a thread after most of Gaza’s telecommunication infrastructure was damaged or wiped out in Israeli airstrikes. The bombing campaign earlier this week destroyed two of the three main lines for mobile communication, leaving just one line working, but with disrupted service. Overall, connectivity in the Gaza Strip has fallen from about 95% in early October to around 60% as of Friday morning, according to data from NetBlocks, an internet outage monitoring firm based in London.
The Role of Paltel
The lone provider standing between Palestinians and a total blackout is Paltel, the Palestine Telecommunications Company. While all nine of Gaza’s local internet service providers have effectively stopped working, Paltel is the largest Palestinian provider, with connections in the Gaza Strip and throughout the region. While currently enough of its cable network that supports fixed broadband and phone services remains intact, the company said it anticipates a “total blackout” if any more of its lines to Egypt or Israel are damaged.
Impact on Deir al Balah Governorate
Internet connectivity in Gaza’s Deir al Balah governorate has been most deeply impacted, according to NetBlocks. Overall connectivity in the region is currently at 38.9%. The area has suffered damage in several locations, including the Nuseirat refugee camp struck by Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday morning. Many of Gaza’s most vulnerable residents live in Deir al Balah: It’s home to four of Gaza’s eight refugee camps, providing shelter for at least 191,000 refugees, according to an estimate from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.
Challenges with Network Services
Palestinian internet providers can only offer 2G network services, which is much more sluggish than 3G and also more vulnerable to security attacks due to weak encryption. A previous UN report indicated some Gaza residents living near the Israeli border could access 3G and 4G networks from Israeli operators, although the current situation is unclear.
Power Supply Crisis
Many may not even be able to power up a cell phone or computer. Gaza’s only power station stopped running since Wednesday afternoon after running out of fuel reserves. The electricity blackout in Gaza followed the Israeli government’s order of a complete blockade on the enclave as Hamas has taken hostages, which has led to the suspension of power supply from 10 Israeli lines that previously contributed to almost two-thirds of Gaza’s electricity this year.
Dependence on Generators
Residents as well as hospitals have resorted to using generators for electricity, but the blockade has effectively cut off the supply routes for essential commodities, including fuel, leaving these generators on the brink of depletion with no means of refueling.
The Deepening Crisis
With falling internet connectivity and power supply, the crisis in Gaza is deepening and on the brink of leaving millions cut off from the rest of the world.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article include the destruction of telecommunication infrastructure, limited internet connectivity, and power outages in the Gaza Strip. These issues are connected to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the impact of the crisis on the daily lives of Gaza residents, including access to essential services and the vulnerability of hospitals. These aspects are related to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Lastly, the article mentions the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which falls under SDG 16, focusing on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
- SDG 9.3: Increase access to information and communication technology (ICT)
- SDG 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing
- SDG 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces
- SDG 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are related to the development of resilient infrastructure (SDG 9.1), increasing access to ICT (SDG 9.3), ensuring access to adequate housing (SDG 11.1), providing universal access to green and public spaces (SDG 11.7), and promoting inclusive decision-making (SDG 16.7).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Internet connectivity percentage
- Availability of telecommunication infrastructure
- Power supply status
- Access to essential services
- Vulnerability of hospitals
The article mentions the decrease in internet connectivity from about 95% to around 60% in the Gaza Strip, indicating an indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 9.3 (increase access to ICT). The damage and disruption of telecommunication infrastructure can also serve as an indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 9.1 (develop quality infrastructure). The power outage in Gaza and the reliance on generators can be indicators for measuring progress towards SDG 11.1 (access to adequate housing) and SDG 11.7 (universal access to green and public spaces). Additionally, the vulnerability of hospitals due to limited power supply implies an indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 3.8 (access to essential services).
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | – Availability of telecommunication infrastructure – Power supply status |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1 Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing | – Power supply status – Reliance on generators |
| 11.7 Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces | – Power supply status – Reliance on generators |
|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.7 Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels | – Access to essential services – Vulnerability of hospitals |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cnn.com
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