Google Maps to hide live traffic in Israel, Gaza following IDF request

Alphabet Inc.'s Google is temporarily disabling live traffic conditions in Israel and the Gaza Strip on its Maps and Waze apps, following a request from the Israeli military amid concerns of a potential ground invasion into Gaza.

“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 busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities”, a Google spokesperson said in a statement, Bloomberg reported.

Real-time traffic information, which could reveal troop movements, is being removed at the request of the Israel Defense Forces.

Google has previously taken similar actions in conflict situations, such as disabling real-time traffic data in Ukraine during Russia's invasion.

While live traffic won't be visible, the navigation systems will still provide estimated arrival times based on current conditions.