Google has disabled traffic data on maps in Israel and the Gaza Strip

Google has disabled traffic data in Israel and the Gaza Strip in its Maps and Waze apps. About it reports Bloomberg, citing a statement from a corporation representative.

“We have temporarily disabled the ability to see real-time traffic conditions and traffic information out of concern for the safety of local communities,” the message says.

Google recalled that they had previously done this during conflicts and in response to the aggravation of the situation in the region. It added that despite turning off the traffic display, drivers will still see an estimated time of arrival based on real-time data.

A source familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Google made this decision at the request of the Israeli military. According to him, data on the situation on the roads could reveal the movement of Israeli troops.

On October 20, Israeli Ambassador to Russia Ben Zvi said in a conversation with TASS that the decision to begin a ground operation in Gaza had been made. He did not give the exact timing of the invasion, specifying on October 22 that the Israeli military was ready to begin a ground operation. October 23 Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced a “deadly” attack that would include land, sea and air attacks.

Formerly the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statedwhich will cancel the planned operation in Gaza if the Hamas militants release the hostages and lay down their arms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, commenting on Israel’s preparations for a ground operation in Gaza, emphasized, that in such a scenario, “civilian casualties would be absolutely unacceptable.” He said that Israel had been subjected to an unprecedented attack by Hamas and had a right to protection. At the same time, the president called for the creation of an independent state of Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem.