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Apple and Google disable live traffic maps in Israel and Gaza.

The Israeli military reportedly requested the deactivation ahead of the expected ground operation in Gaza.

Google has disabled live traffic updates for Israel and Gaza on Maps and Waze, Bloomberg reported.

"As we have done in previous conflict situations, and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and density information with the safety of local communities in mind," a Google spokesperson said.

Israeli blog GeekTime reported that Apple has also turned off the same feature in its Maps app.

REAL-TIME TRAFFIC DATA WILL NOT BE VISIBLE

Google said in a statement that people will still be able to use Maps and Waze to get route and ETA information that takes into account current traffic conditions.

They just won't be able to see real-time traffic data in the apps as they have in the past. It is unclear whether Apple is also keeping some of Maps' navigation features.

BEFORE THE GROUND OPERATION

The move by both companies comes just ahead of the Israeli army's ground offensive, in which it reportedly plans to deploy tens of thousands of troops to take over Gaza.

TROOP MOVEMENTS MAY BE REVEALED

Bloomberg reported that Google disabled live traffic to comply with the Israeli military's request because the feature could reveal the movements of its soldiers and alert Hamas, which the US and EU recognize as a terrorist organization.

DATA IN UKRAINE WAS DISABLED

Prior to this development, one of the most recent examples of Google disabling the ability to see live traffic conditions in times of war was in 2022.

The company disabled Maps' live traffic data in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country. At the time, the company explained that it made this change to protect the safety of local residents and that it made this decision after consulting with Ukrainian authorities.