Google has disabled some functions of its mapping application in Israel and the Gaza Strip (both in Maps and Waze) due to the conflict with Hamas and the possibility of a ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave.
Speaking to the American media The Hill, a spokeswoman confirmed that the company has temporarily disabled the option to view traffic conditions in real time "for the safety of local communities." However, Bloomberg sources assure that it would be a request from the Israeli Defense Forces, since live information could reveal movements of its troops.
Users using Google Maps to travel in the territory will continue to receive an estimated time of arrival based on traffic conditions. According to US media, Apple would take a similar measure with its own mapping service.
Google already disabled part of its mapping services in Ukraine following the Russian invasion of the country in February last year.
This Monday, a White House spokesperson confirmed to the press that the United States will respect Israel's decisions on when and how it will carry out a possible ground invasion of Gaza, after several media outlets claimed that the US government advised Israel to delay military action in hopes of buying time for hostage negotiations.
At least 5,087 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas, by Israeli bombings in retaliation for the Palestinian Islamist group's attack on October 7, which left some 1,400 dead and more than 220 kidnapped in Israel. Of the total number of deaths in Gaza, according to figures released this Monday by the Strip's Ministry of Health, 40% are children and 22% are women or the elderly.
