Hamas telecommunications officials claimed Wednesday an IDF bulldozer damaged a communications cable and cut all phone and Internet networks in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
The blackout was reportedly caused late Tuesday by a military bulldozer operating in Nahal Oz, close to the Hamas terror enclave.
"Repairs have allowed the gradual resumption of communications," the officials said.
The IDF spokesperson's office denied the army was "responsible for the incident," but added that it was willing to "help restore communications."
The incident underscores the strong leverage Israel could bring to bear to stop terror from the region if its leaders summoned up sufficient political will.
Both Hamas-run Gaza and Palestinian Authority enclaves in Judea and Samaria are dependent on Israel for all critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, fuel, and telecommunications.