Israel's intelligence agencies and military's overreliance on technology, including high-tech defenses and artificial intelligence (AI), has been cited as a contributing factor to the intelligence failure that led to the surprise Hamas attack on October 7. Despite having collected sufficient data to anticipate the attack, a false sense of security was created by the belief that technology alone could prevent any breach. The failure highlighted the need for comprehensive intelligence gathering that includes human intelligence. The reputational damage caused by the failure, coupled with the continued use of AI and technology in the current conflict, has raised concerns about civilian casualties and the potential export of such technology and tactics to other countries.
Israel has imposed a second communications blackout in Gaza, cutting off phone and internet services, despite warnings from humanitarian aid agencies that such blackouts exacerbate the already dire situation in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. The blackout has caused concern and fear among residents, who are unable to communicate with their loved ones and understand the situation. It also hampers the work of humanitarian agencies on the ground. Israel has been accused of using internet blackouts as a warfare tactic, while the US has expressed concern about the impact on civilians and the humanitarian crisis. Elon Musk's offer to provide satellite internet service to aid organizations in Gaza has sparked protests from Israel.
A near-total blackout of internet and cellphone service has occurred in Gaza as a result of heavy Israeli bombing, destroying the last remaining infrastructure connecting the region to the global internet. The largest telecommunications provider, Paltel, announced a complete severance of all communications and internet services. This blackout is the largest disruption to internet connectivity in Gaza since the conflict began, severely limiting residents' ability to communicate with the outside world. The Palestine Red Crescent Society expressed concern about the impact on emergency medical services. Telecommunications services in Gaza were already degraded due to power cuts and limited fuel supplies. Israel has increased bombing in Gaza, targeting infrastructure it claims is used by terrorists.
The tech incubator, Our Generation Speaks (OGS), chaired by former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, is facing disruption as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalates. Israeli graduates of OGS have accused the organization of failing to take a decisive stance against alums who expressed support for the attacks by Hamas. Palestinian alums have requested a formal statement expressing concern for innocent lives affected by the crisis. The dispute reflects the challenges faced by various institutions amid the intensifying conflict. OGS CEO Lobna Agbaria stated that any alumni expressing support for terrorism would be expelled. Some Palestinian members have asked to withdraw from the alumni network due to the dangerous situation in Gaza. Patrick emphasized the importance of protecting the safety of all involved and supporting future connections.
A thrilling video captures the moment a Ukrainian soldier skillfully lands a kamikaze drone inside a Russian truck just seconds before detonating an explosive, destroying both the drone and the truck. The footage shows the soldier's perspective as he chases down the enemy vehicle heading towards Kharkiv, a major target of Moscow's offensive attacks. Ukrainian officials believe the truck was making its way towards Kharkiv, a key battleground in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukraine has launched a maritime drone attack on a Russian oil tanker, the Sig, causing damage to its engine room. The strike came shortly after Ukrainian sea drones targeted a major naval base in Novorossiysk, leaving a Russian landing ship tilting badly. Ukraine has been increasingly using unmanned aerial vehicles to attack Russian targets, including in Moscow. The new generation of powerful sea drones poses a significant challenge for Russia, as they are difficult to defend against and capable of crippling large vessels. Ukrainian authorities have vowed to continue targeting Russian-controlled ships and the Kerch Bridge, which connects Crimea to mainland Russia.
