Internet connectivity in the Gaza Strip is being restored, the global network monitor Netblocks said Sunday, almost two days after it was cut off during heavy Israeli bombardment.
"Real-time network data show that internet connectivity is being restored in the #Gaza Strip," the company wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Communications in the territory were cut for almost two days, prompting fears of an extended blackout as Israel continues to bombard Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas's leader in the Gaza Strip, Yahya Sinwar, said on Saturday that the Palestinian militant group was ready for an "immediate" prisoner swap with Israel.
"We are ready to conduct an immediate prisoner exchange deal that includes the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in exchange for all prisoners held by the Palestinian resistance," Sinwar said in a statement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel's war in Gaza will be "long and difficult", as Hamas demanded the release of all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages it captured three weeks ago.
The United Nations warned thousands more civilians could die in Gaza as Israel said ground forces were still operating inside the Hamas-run territory more than 24 hours after entering it on Friday.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned of "the possibly catastrophic consequences of large-scale ground operations in Gaza", saying "thousands more civilians" could die.