The sources said the Israel Air Force has destroyed the communications
system in the Gaza Strip. They said virtually the entire cellular phone
network, operated by PalTel, has been disabled, with switchboards and mobile
communications damaged in Israeli air strikes. PalTel reported that at least
three of its technicians were killed during the war.
Hamas's military communications were said to have been disrupted as
well. Over the last two years, Hamas's military operated the
Taiwanese-origin
Senao system, meant to prevent interception or jamming.
"The Israelis, we believe with help from Fatah, have penetrated the
system, and it is now useless," the source said.
Senao, produced by the Taiwanese company of the same name, was comprised
of two-way handheld wireless radios with a range of 50 kilometers.The system
contains multiple channels and security codes to prevent detection.
[On Jan. 7, Israel suspended operations for at
least three hours to enable food and other shipments to enter the area.]
The sources said Hamas military leaders have been forced to cease most
communications with field units. They said messages have been transmitted
through couriers or walkie-talkies.
"This [walkie-talkies] is also becoming difficult because we are running
out of batteries," a Hamas operative said.
