For Ali Nattat, the day begins with a look at the sky. In Gaza, the sunlight falling on his solar panels determines whether he can keep his neighbourhood connected to the outside world.

Unlike many homes nearby, Nattat’s modest house survived the airstrikes. It now houses a small internet network that supports his family and provides work for five employees. For displaced families and people working remotely on his street, it also provides a vital means of communication.

The network runs entirely on solar energy. Nattat has four small panels of his own and uses additional panels borrowed from a neighbour in exchange for free electricity. Together, they charge salvaged batteries that keep the equipment running after sunset.

But the system is fragile. Cloudy weather limits how much electricity the panels generate, leaving less power available at night.

“When my system abruptly dies at night, it doesn’t just cut my income; it paralyses the entire neighborhood,” Nattat said.

A connection to an injured daughter

For Abu Firas, 50, the network allows him to stay in touch with his daughter, who is receiving medical treatment in Egypt.

An airstrike destroyed his home and killed his wife. He now lives alone........

© Middle East Monitor