Aha Dua Permata: Google and Apple limit map functions in Israel and Gaza

Wednesday, 25 October 2023

Google and Apple limit map functions in Israel and Gaza

The Google Maps app is seen on a mobile phone.
Nasir Kachroo | NurPhoto | Getty Images

Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps are no longer showing live traffic updates for Israel and Gaza, according to multiple media reports. The move comes ahead of an expected invasion of the Palestinian territory by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

“As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and business information out of consideration for the safety of local communities,” a Google spokesperson told Bloomberg on Monday.

He noted that while real-time traffic data has been turned off, users can still use the navigation systems and will still be able to see the estimated times of arrival, which will be based on live conditions.

Another source with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg that Google’s removal of real-time crowding data in Israel and Gaza was done at the request of the IDF, as such information could potentially reveal Israeli troop movements.

Previously, Google made a similar move when it disabled live traffic data on Google Maps in Ukraine in 2022 following the launch of Russia’s military operation. At the time, the company said it made the decision after consulting with Ukrainian authorities.

According to Israeli tech outlet Geek Time, Apple appears to have started adhering to the IDF request on Monday, with users unable to see live traffic reports on Apple Maps.

Meanwhile, US officials have reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s anticipated ground operation, with some suggesting that the IDF does not have a workable plan for sending troops into Gaza, and could end up being unable to eliminate Hamas.

Hamas launched an incursion into Israel on October 7, killing an estimated 1,400 Israelis and taking another 200 hostage. Israel responded by declaring war on the Palestinian group and laying siege to Gaza, while launching artillery and air strikes and killing more than 5,000 people, according to local authorities.

Iraq base with US troops again targeted by rockets: Report

Citing two security sources, the Reuters news agency says two rockets landed inside Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts US and other international forces west of Baghdad.

US officials have said the base is among several in Iraq and Syria that have been targeted amid the conflict in Gaza.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the most recent attack or if there were any injuries, although top US diplomat Blinken earlier today broadly blamed recent attacks on US targets in the region on “Iran proxies”.

A Pentagon spokesman is expected to hold a news briefing later this afternoon; We will bring you more information about this when we have it.

Situation at al-Wafa hospital ‘very, very sad’, medical director says

Dr Hassan Khalaf, medical director of al-Wafa Hospital in Gaza, says the situation there is “very, very sad” due to the lack of medication, water, food, and electricity.

“All hospitals are depending on electric generators which is not ideal,” Khalaf said.

At least 30 wounded people were moved from al-Shifa Hospital to al-Wafa Hospital, he said, “just to give them space for new injured people”.

“In my hospital, we are treating the elderly and bedridden cases with chronic diseases,” he said, however doctors are only able to provide care that is “minimal”.

“Even food – we don’t have food. We depend on bean cans and jam and cheese, so dry food,” Khalaf said.

While a small solar power system helps with some lighting, Khalaf says a feeling of uncertainty and fear lingers around when “disaster” will strike – and when “all [the] people here will die on the spot”.