According to reports, the deactivation was ordered by the Israeli military before an anticipated ground offensive in Gaza.
According to numerous media reports, Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps no longer display real-time traffic updates for Israel and Gaza. The action is being taken in anticipation of the Israel Defence Forces’ (IDF) anticipated invasion of Palestinian territories.
We have temporarily disabled the ability to view real-time traffic conditions and business information out of consideration for the safety of nearby communities, a Google spokesperson told Bloomberg on Monday. “As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region,” the spokesperson added.
The user can still use the navigation systems and will still be able to see the projected times of arrival, which will be based on live conditions, he said, even though real-time traffic data has been disabled.
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Another person with knowledge of the issue told Bloomberg that the IDF had asked Google to remove real-time crowding data from Israel and Gaza because it would show Israeli army movements.
Google previously took a similar action in 2022 after the start of Russia’s armed involvement in Ukraine, when it suspended live traffic data on Google Maps. The business claimed at the time that it decided after speaking with Ukrainian officials.
Apple appears to have begun complying with the IDF request on Monday, since users are no longer able to view live traffic reports on Apple Maps, claims Israeli tech publication Geek Time.
The reports have not been confirmed or disputed by Apple or the IDF.
US officials are allegedly worried about Israel’s planned ground campaign; some say the IDF doesn’t have a feasible strategy for sending troops into Gaza and might wind up failing to defeat Hamas.
On October 7, Hamas invaded Israel, murdering an estimated 1,400 Israelis and kidnapping an additional 200. Local officials claim that in response, Israel imposed a stranglehold on Gaza, declared war on the Palestinians, launched airstrikes and artillery attacks, and killed more than 5,000 people.
