In a statement on Saturday, the human rights organisation said the blackout hampers rescue services and cuts people off from lifesaving information amid the ongoing conflict.

Amnesty International has warned that Israel’s near-total shutdown of internet access in the occupied Gaza Strip is putting Palestinian civilians at greater risk and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid.

In a statement on Saturday, the human rights organisation said the blackout hampers rescue services and cuts people off from lifesaving information amid the ongoing conflict.

Amnesty also raised concerns that the internet shutdown is preventing documentation of violations and is aimed at silencing Palestinians.

"Internet shutdowns prevent local and international organisations from monitoring and documenting human rights violations in the midst of a genocide and at a time when scores of Palestinians are killed while trying to access aid at distribution sites."

"Israel denied access to international investigators and media and by shutting down the internet it aims to silence Palestinians and to prevent them from sharing their suffering."

The United Nations General Assembly had said it would vote on a draft resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza.

The resolution comes as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave worsens, with the UN warning of looming famine and aid trickling in.

The draft resolution, which is expected to pass with overwhelming support, calls for the release of hostages held by Hamas, the return of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

According to Reuters, the draft also demands unhindered aid access and condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

It demands unhindered aid access and "strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians ... of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supply and access."

The vote comes after the US vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council last week, arguing it would undermine US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.

However, the General Assembly does not have veto powers, making it likely that the resolution will pass.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, with over 54,000 Palestinians killed and thousands more lost under rubble since the war began in October 2023. 

Israel has almost completely shut down internet in the occupied Gaza Strip. This puts Palestinian civilians even more at risk, it hampers rescue services and provision of humanitarian aid, and cuts people off from lifesaving information.

Internet shutdowns prevent local and… pic.twitter.com/UK7ZzrQWCe

— Amnesty International (@amnesty) June 13, 2025