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The Journal
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Gaza's blackouts: 'You might be killed for trying to have internet access at public points'
Hana Salah Palestinian journalist GAZA HAS BEEN offline completely for days at a time over the past month. Between 12 and 14 June, there was a full blackout across the the Strip. It takes me back to October 2023 when Israel's bombardment began and I vanished from the digital world because of the targeting of the main lines providing Gaza telecommunication companies with the internet. In the face of repeated communication blackouts in Gaza, eSIM cards have become the only lifeline for many. On 12 June, the Palestinian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority confirmed that all internet and landline services had been cut across Gaza following Israeli strikes on telecom infrastructure — part of what it described as a 'systematic targeting' that has digitally isolated the territory. With traditional networks down, digital SIM cards — often purchased abroad and activated by scanning a QR code — allowed some residents to connect to foreign networks, mainly Israeli or Egyptian. These fragile connections became critical for staying in touch with relatives or reporting the war's realities to the outside world. Back to October 2023, the network collapsed within days. I could no longer check in with my UN manager to say I was still alive — part of a daily headcount we'd become accustomed to. I couldn't even share my GPS location as my family and I fled from one strike zone to the next, obeying shifting evacuation orders or sudden strikes. Each move cut us off from what little protection systems we had. At one point, my manager offered me a satellite phone. But in Gaza, carrying one could get you killed. At hospitals and checkpoints, such devices are seen with suspicion especially by Hamas agents or militants — because they are often assumed to be used by spies. I refused to hold it. Instead, I relied on an eSIM — a digital SIM card — my American friend Aideen had given me. It worked, sometimes. I'd climb rooftops or stairwells, searching for the faintest signal. Occasionally, I could send a message, file a report, or simply say: 'We are still here, alive or just send them a funny emoji amid the hell.' (The editor of The Journal was also a frequent receiver of these messages, gifs and emojis.) But the risk never went away. During blackouts, even holding a phone in the wrong place could invite suspicion — or worse. To access the internet in Rafah, before it was evacuated, a mobile phone equipped with an eSIM was placed on top of a wooden pole outside a tent. The phone's signal was shared via hotspot to connect the displaced family living nearby. Aideen Byrne, 29, an international law expert based in the United States and a close friend, has been part of a volunteer initiative called Crips for eSIMs for Gaza. The group has distributed hundreds of eSIMs to journalists and civilians across Gaza — a quiet but vital effort to keep people connected in the darkest of times. We moved to new shelter in Deir al-Balah in November 2023, where my family sheltered in the middle of the Strip and the internet was even more unstable. The higher you went, the better the chance of catching a signal using the Israeli eSIM. But our building's rooftop was locked. Advertisement One neighbour kindly shared access to their connection — an act of quiet generosity in a war defined by loss. Weeks later, that rooftop was hit. Two rockets tore through it and our neighbour who provided me with the internet line was killed with his family while my family survived. I had just returned from searching for food. As I walked back toward the building, I heard the blast. Smoke rose from where my family had been sheltering. For a moment, I collapsed. My knees buckled under the fear that they were gone. Seconds later, I ran inside — alongside others — to help pull out the wounded. Somehow, my family survived. The strike appeared to target the telecommunications and internet relay equipment on the rooftop — a setup similar to many across Gaza in the early days of the war. These makeshift signal poles were often assumed to be linked to Hamas infrastructure, and as a result, rooftop communication devices became. In Gaza, for every story I reported, there were others I couldn't get to. Others I couldn't write. Not because they weren't happening — but because we were buried beneath silence. Fears around Internet cafés My colleague, the veteran journalist in Gaza Fathi Sabbah, 65, and his family were able to get eSIMs from the same project. He said internet connectivity when the blackout is forced by Israel is not the only reason for using the eSIMs. He also uses them to access the internet in public places as other access points pose a risk. Sabbah told me, 'Some public internet access points or cafés may themselves become targets to the Israeli drones. You might be killed for trying to have internet access there. 'Even going to a café carries real risk to our lives,' he explains. 'Even if there's internet in public cafes, we often avoid these places because they could be targeted — either because someone wanted by Israel might be inside, or simply nearby. Many people have lost their lives just by being there, even though they were civilians. 'We have seen massacres in an internet connection point were people gather around each other to be connected online. No one knows who is with you, so better to get your own internet point in the new displacement area/Tent.' Ashraf Amra, 38, who is currently reporting from Al-Jazeera has been able to send some voice notes over WhatsApp. 'The situation is very difficult as we are disconnected from the world, and it is very risky to go higher buildings to get better connection for the eSIM,' he said. Drones are watching us and could doubt our use and target us.' Other non-journalist civilians developed the use of the eSIMs too – like my friend AlMaza, 29, who was living in a tent near the Philadelphi Corridor, close to the Egyptian border in Rafah. With no stable internet access, her family improvised. They mounted a phone containing an eSIM on a tall wooden pole outside their shelter to catch even the faintest signal. Using the phone's hotspot connected to a basic router, they were able to distribute a fragile but essential internet connection throughout the tent. The setup gave them a few hours of connectivity at a time. When the battery drained, they'd lower the phone to recharge it — sometimes using a power bank, sometimes swapping devices. It was a lifeline not just to the outside world, but to hope. Salah is a Palestinian journalist and war survivor who reports on economics, conflict and development. Displaced during the Israeli assault on Gaza, she is now based in the UK. Her work has appeared in the LA Times, Al Jazeera, Al-Monitor, Channel 4 and other international outlets. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Ten weeks to save Irish peacekeeping in Lebanon as US weighs up whether to end its support
IRISH AND FRENCH diplomats are working intensely to convince the United States not to end support for the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which could spell the end of the international peace effort. US officials have arrived in Lebanon and Israel to assess whether their country should veto the renewal of the UNIFIL mission. Sources have told The Journal that a major and secret effort is under way to stop the US from pulling the plug on the south Lebanon operation. Inside Government departments and at Cabinet level, Irish officials are understood to be anxious to find a way to keep the mission going. Officials have been directed by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Harris to work with the French and others to push for a solution. The Times of Israel reported earlier this month that the US was deciding whether it would vote against the renewal of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission. The deadline to save the mission is ten weeks from now, when the UN will vote on whether to renew the mandate for UNIFIL. The UNIFIL mission (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) began in 1978 to maintain peace and security on the border between Lebanon and Israel after a period of increased tension between the two countries. Irish troops are part of a massive international presence of 10,500 troops from 50 countries to monitor both sides of the border. A total of 48 Irish soldiers have been killed there on active service. Their deaths were caused in action, in accidents, and in kidnappings by Israeli forces, Hezbollah, AMAL, and local militias aligned to Israel or to Lebanese factions. The Journal has confirmed that US officials, led by envoy Tom Barrack, have been in Lebanon and Israel to assess the effectiveness or not of the UNIFIL mission. In a move that is consistent with previous missions by the US, Barrack has no background in diplomacy; he is a real estate investor. Sources have said there is extensive lobbying ongoing by Israel to have the United States, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, end its support for the mission. There are fears among diplomatic sources that the work of Barrack and his team is a fait accompli, and the decision has already essentially been made to pull the plug on US support for UNIFIL, given the support the Trump administration has for Israel. Behind the scenes, French diplomats are leading negotiations and Ireland is working with them. The withdrawal of US support would be a significant setback for UNIFIL. Advertisement Sources believe that the US turning its back on the mandate would mean a cut of around 25% of the budget for the mission, which would cause a major reduction in troop numbers. Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking to troops in Camp Shamrock in South Lebanon in March. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Worst case scenario The worst case scenario would be that the UNIFIL mission would end, which would necessitate a massive withdrawal of Irish troops from south Lebanon. Currently around 330 soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion are stationed at multiple locations in the south of the country, monitoring the uneasy truce along what is known as the Blue Line. This was established in the wake of the 2006 war following international agreement on the border designating where Israel had to withdraw beyond. If the mission was to end completely, the Irish would withdraw en masse from the area. This would involve the chartering of a ship as Ireland does not have naval capability to move the troops. Sources said the seaborne withdrawal of kit and equipment would likely either happen from Beirut or from Tyre. Troop-carrying aircraft would also have to be chartered or they would hitch a ride on a flight by a partner country. It is understood that no immediate plans are in place for this. The Defence Forces and the government are awaiting the outcome of the vote in August. The Irish Defence Forces logisticians have carried out this operation before in the 2000s when the Irish temporarily withdrew from Lebanon and they recently successfully moved massive amounts of equipment and vehicles home to Ireland from their Syria mission . Camp Shamrock where the Irish are based with troops from Ghana and Poland. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Israeli strategic goal Sources said that the strategic goal for Israel is to make northern Israel free from the threat of rocket fire as well as other major cities inside the Jewish State. This is the justification for the previous invasions. The main body of Israeli troops have withdrawn back across the Blue Line but, within the Irish area of operations, south of the towns of Bint Jbeil and At Tiri, the IDF maintains one of a number of forward operating bases. Overflights by Israeli drones and aircraft are being monitored by a massive French radar station in the area with an Irish and LAF patrol fired upon recently by Israeli forces as well as a number of other incident. Hezbollah militants have also been seeking to intimidate UN troops. The powder keg atmosphere in the Levant will continue but sources said the Irish government remains hopeful that a compromise can be found to soothe the tensions in the UN assembly and for the mission to continue. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Minister criticised after recent deportation flight took off without human rights monitor on board
A GOVERNMENT CHARTER flight that flew to Nigeria earlier this month has been criticised after it emerged that no independent human rights observer was on board the flight. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon accused the government of 'skipping independent scrutiny' in favour of 'theatre' by allowing the flight to make its journey without a monitor on board. These independent human rights observers were on board the government's two previous charter flights, which saw a combined 71 people deported to Georgia. This was followed by a special charter flight this month where some 35 people, including five children, were deported from Ireland to Nigeria. The flight was heavily criticised afterwards by a Dublin school and by a Clondalkin community group as each had members of their community on board. In response to a Parliamentary Question from Gannon about the makeup of the professional personnel involved in the flight, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan disclosed that 'due to technical reasons outside the control' of the Department of Justice, the human rights observer was not able to accompany the flight to Lagos. O'Callaghan defended himself from criticism of the flights, telling Gannon that planning and consideration had been given to 'ensure the safety and wellbeing' of the people being removed from Ireland to Nigeria. Role of human rights observers The role of the independent human rights observer is to monitor the use of force and restraints for deportees on the flight. Such observers are currently not mandatory for charter deportation flights in Ireland. However, there are requirements to have such monitors so as to ensure fundamental rights are upheld during forced returns of people. These requirements feature in the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture (OPCAT) but Ireland remains the only EU member state yet to ratify the protocol , despite having signed it in 2007. It is included in the current Programme for Government . They had been present at Dublin Airport before the flight took off and later received a debrief from gardaí who were on board the plane, according to O'Callaghan. In addition to Garda personnel, the returnees on the flights were accompanied by a doctor and an advanced paramedic. The flights are carried out by the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Advertisement In his response to Gannon, seen by The Journal , O'Callaghan said the independent observer was briefed by gardaí afterwards. 'For the charter flight to Nigeria the observer was present in Dublin Airport to monitor the operation prior to departure of the charter flight on 4 June 2025 and meet with returnees including the families concerned,' O'Callaghan said. 'However, due to technical reasons outside the control of my Department, the observer was not able to accompany the flight to Lagos. The observer has been debriefed by a nominated Garda escort on the operation of the flight.' Gannon had asked about the number of professionals present on board, including medical staff, child protection professionals and psychological support personnel. The Dublin Central TD told The Journal that the minister needed to clarify whether he believes a human rights observer is 'essential' for the flights. If so, then O'Callaghan needed to outline 'why did he let the Nigeria flight go ahead' without an observer. He repeated a criticism of the minister's use of the flights as a form of PR and a submission to anti-migrant demonstrations seen over recent years. 'Having the Gardaí who carried out the deportation 'debrief' the observer afterwards isn't oversight, it's theatre,' Gannon said. 'This flight involved children. The State has a legal and moral duty to safeguard their rights at every stage, not just when it's convenient. Skipping independent scrutiny when children are being forcibly removed strips away any pretence of a rights-based approach. What we're seeing is a government more committed to appearing tough than doing things properly. Gannon added that the deportation flights will 'go down as a shameful episode' in the life of the current government. 'It may play well in certain corners of the political world, but anyone with a shred of decency can see how wrong this was,' Gannon claimed. The Fianna Fáil minister said he accepted that deportations were 'challenging' for the people involved. He added that they had received legal orders to leave the State and that the flights were required to ensuring that Ireland's immigration system is 'robust and rules based'. He noted that any person who has been ordered to leave the State is committing a criminal offence and 'can be arrested without warrant if they come into contact with An Garda Síochána'. The 2,113 deportation orders signed this year are nearing last year's total of 2,403 orders. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
11 hours ago
- The Journal
Man killed after explosion and fire at house in Co Roscommon named locally as Des Deegan (72)
LAST UPDATE | 1 hr ago TRIBUTES ARE BEING paid to a devoted partner who died in a Roscommon house fire overnight. The man has been named locally as Des Deegan, aged 72. The fire happened at a housing estate on the Boyle Road near Frenchpark village, which is around 30km north of Roscommon town. Gardaí and emergency services responded to the scene. Gardaí were made aware of the incident at 7.15pm, a spokesperson said, and the fire was extinguished by fire services. Emergency services are understood to have responded to reports very quickly. Roscommon County Council said fire units from Ballaghaderreen and Boyle Fire Stations numbering 20 personnel responded to the scene. Gardaí, ambulance staff and an air ambulance also attended the scene. Specialist excavation equipment was used at the scene to assist in emergency operations. Smoke from the blaze could be seen from a great distance away, and it is understood that local residents heard an explosion immediately before the fire. The aftermath of the blaze today. Courtesy of Shannonside FM Courtesy of Shannonside FM The scene remains sealed off for technical examinations and enquiries are ongoing. Gardaí are investigating to determine the cause of the fire, which is not yet known. Locals said that Mr Deegan, who was originally from Dublin, was a devoted partner to Alice Hetherton (63). The couple had lived at French Park for the past 25 years having met in London and lived in Kerry for a number of years previously. Tragically, Ms Hetherton suffered a serious bleed on the brain and an aneurysm in 2023 and as a result was admitted to a nursing home in the area in July 2024. Mr Deegan had launched a campaign locally to adapt the house and bring her home and had set up a Go-fundme page in April of this year. Advertisement Locals say he had spoken on local radio about his campaign on a number of occasions. To date the fundraiser has raised almost €7,000. 'Terrible tragedy' Independent councillor for the area Micheál Frain, who is also the station officer at Ballaghaderreen Fire Brigade, described last night's incident as a 'tragic event', adding that news of the blaze has been difficult for the town of Frenchpark. He said his thoughts and prayers are with the man's family and the 'great community' of Frenchpark. Fellow local councillor Valerie Byrne said the news of the event has 'shocked everyone' and described the event as a 'terrible tragedy'. She also extended her condolences to the man's family. Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly said last night that his 'heart goes out to all those affected by this horrific blaze'. A number of adjoining properties suffered structural and roof damage as a result of the fire. One neighbour, Bernard Finley, told Virgin Media News that the explosion 'rattled the whole village'. 'It basically broke the front part of my house nearly off,' he said, adding that debris from the deceased's home had struck the front of his home, despite being a good 60 metres away. 'It was crazy. That's all I can say,' Finley said. 'I'm still in shock over it. I haven't slept much last night thinking about the poor man.' Frenchpark parish priest Fr Michael Donnelly told Virgin Media News that he felt 'pure numbness, but yet, feeling lucky'. He said the green around the estate is always full of children and said it was fortunate that there had only been one fatality from the incident. With reporting by Sean Ryan, Muiris Ó Cearbhaill and Jane Moore Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
Row breaks out in John Magnier case over claims witness was being given nods over answers
AN ARGUMENT BROKE out at today's hearing in the High Court case taken by bloodstock billionaire John Magnier over a failed property deal for a Co Tipperary estate when lawyers claimed that a member or members of the gallery were attempting to communicate with a witness under cross-examination by nodding to him on certain answers. Mr Magnier has taken a High Court case to enforce a €15 million deal he claims was agreed with a Tipperary landowner over a large tract of land. Barne Estate later sold the land to a US property magnate for €22.25 million. The nodding claim was made today by Martin Hayden SC, for Barne Estate, while his colleague Niall F Buckley SC was conducting the cross examination of Tim Gleeson, a financial manager at Mr Magnier's Coolmore Stud. Mr Gleeson was giving evidence on communications timelines, statements and meetings surrounding the failed deal. Mr Hayden apologised for interrupting the cross examination and claimed that he had been informed by a note from his legal team that a member or members of the gallery had been nodding at the witness. The members of the Magnier side sit on the opposite side of the court from the Barne Estate side. Mr Hayden gestured towards the Magnier side and told Mr Justice Max Barrett that he was asking individuals 'on the Coolmore side to stop making head gestures' in relation to questions asked of Mr Gleeson. 'It has happened on four occasions now in relation to particular questions asked and head gestures are being made by certain individuals in the gallery,' said Mr Hayden. Mr Gleeson said he did not see any gestures and that he was following documents from the witness box and facing the judge when answering questions. Paul Gallagher SC, for the Coolmore side, said he did not accept the assertion made by Mr Hayden. Around ten minutes later, Mr Hayden rose again to address the judge on the same issue saying 'it is occuring again'. Mr Hayden told the judge that he had ' not named the individuals but that he did not wish for it to happen again 'because they are giving indications of what the answers should be – that's unacceptable'. Mr Gallagher said that this was 'an outrageous statement to make – it's not true'. 'I know Mr Gallagher is all-powerful but I don't think he has eyes in the back of his head, I'm not sure he can see what is going on,' said Mr Hayden. Mr Justice Barrett asked all present to refrain from any nodding upon hearing responses given by the witness. Advertisement A third interruption to the cross-examination happened moments later, arising this time from Mr Gallagher. Mr Gallagher said that a member of the defence's legal team was now turned and staring at the gallery where the Coolmore side were sitting at the rear of the court. 'Judge, one of the junior counsels is staring at my clients at this stage,' he said. Mr Gallagher said this was 'highly inappropriate' and that 'nothing of the sort had happened'. 'I strongly object to it,' he said. Mr Hayden said it was entirely appropriate that the defence's side made sure the claimed behaviour did not happen again. The hearing then re-commenced for Mr Gleeson to conclude his evidence. The case centres on Mr Magnier's – founder of the world-famous Coolmore Stud – claim that a US-based construction magnate, Maurice Regan, the eventual preferred buyer, engaged in a 'full-frontal assault' on Mr Magnier's claimed deal to buy the 751-acre tract. Mr Magnier's proceedings claim that Barne Estate reneged on the alleged deal, preferring to sell the land at the higher price of €22.25M to Mr Regan, the founder of the New York building firm JT Magen. The Magniers say the deal was struck at an August 22, 2023, kitchen meeting at Mr Magnier's Coolmore home. They also claim an exclusivity agreement that was in effect from August 31 to September 30 stipulated that the estate would not permit its representatives to solicit or encourage any expression of interest, inquiry or offer on the property from anyone other than Mr Magnier. Barne Estate has been held for the benefit of Richard Thomson-Moore and others by a Jersey trust. The Magnier side has sued the Barne Estate, Mr Thomson-Moore and three companies of IQEQ (Jersey) Ltd group, seeking to enforce the purported deal, which they say had been 'unequivocally' agreed. The Barne defendants say there was never any such agreement, as they needed the consent of the trustees to finalise any agreement and subsequently they preferred to sell the estate to Mr Regan. Mr Regan is not a party to the case. The High Court also heard today from Jerome Casey, a senior member of staff at Coolmore who fronts property deals for Mr Magnier. Mr Casey told Caren Geoghegan SC, for the Magniers, 'we are honorable people' who would not go back on an agreed deal. Mr Casey said the exclusivity agreement was put in place because contracts for the estate had not been issued immediately to Coolmore by the vendors' solicitors and by late August he was made aware that Mr Regan was 'not happy' about the purported sale of the land to the Magniers. Mr Hayden asked Mr Casey if the main reason for the exclusivity agreement was Mr Regan's interest and was told 'very much so'. The case continues before Mr Justice Barrett. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
