(RSF/IFEX) – On 16 July 2002, RSF strongly condemned the Israeli army’s takeover and shutdown of Palnet for nearly a day. Palnet is the main Palestinian Internet service provider (ISP) in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. On 15 July, Israeli soldiers went to Palnet’s offices in Ramallah at 2:00 a.m. (local time) and cut […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 16 July 2002, RSF strongly condemned the Israeli army’s takeover and shutdown of Palnet for nearly a day. Palnet is the main Palestinian Internet service provider (ISP) in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
On 15 July, Israeli soldiers went to Palnet’s offices in Ramallah at 2:00 a.m. (local time) and cut off all Internet connections. They arrested the six staff technicians who were present, one of whom was still being held by Israeli intelligence officials as of 16 July. It is not known where the technician is being held nor for what reason.
“This is an attack on the free flow of information via the Internet, both within the Occupied Territories and with the rest of the world,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. “Palnet is a private company that does not participate in any political or military activities. The Israeli army’s action seems aimed solely at intimidating the remaining ISPs.” Ménard called for the immediate release of the technician who is still detained.
The Israeli army gave no reason for its actions. No equipment was seized and no damage was done during the takeover. The soldiers left on 15 July, in the evening, and Internet connections were re-established during the night.
Palnet, a leading ISP, is the server for about 70 percent of Palestinian Internet users, as well as for the Palestinian health service, schools and administration. “We are a private company, with private offices and paid employees,” Palnet owner Maan Bseiso told RSF. “We are not involved in politics and we do not know why the army has targeted us.”
