The human rights organizations remain silent after the Hamas regime in Gaza shut Gaza’s only cellular telephone provider, Jawwal, for not paying taxes. Jawwal was providing cell service for 1.3 million clients in Gaza but the Hamas attorney general ordered its closure nonetheless. On Tuesday night it was reported that cell phones were still working but it is not known how long the service will continue.

Jawwal is a subsidiary of the PA (Palestinian Authority) PalTel Company in Ramallah, and officials of the latter explain taxes have been paid as PalTel CEO Ammar Aker insists in the case.

It appears the closure may be nothing more than a response by Hamas to differences between the Fatah leaders in Ramallah. The closure may be part of the ongoing power struggle between Gaza and Ramallah, and in this case, the move impacts 1.3 million clients of the company, who are likely to soon be without cellular service and internet connectivity.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)