Why is Gaza not clearly visible on Google Maps?

Why is Gaza, one of the most populous countries in the world, unclear on Google Maps?

In fact, most Israeli and Palestinian territories appear on Google Earth as low-resolution satellite images, although higher-quality images are available from satellite companies.

Why are satellite images important?

It has become a vital element in conflict reporting, but there are also concerns that the availability of detailed images could jeopardize security.

In the latest confrontation in the Middle East, investigators are seeking to verify missile sites and target buildings in Gaza and Israel, using satellites.

"The fact that we do not receive high-resolution satellite images from Israel and the Palestinian territories takes us one step further," said the investigator, identified as Samir.

In fact, most Israeli and Palestinian territories appear on Google Earth as low-resolution satellite images, although higher-quality images are available from satellite companies.

You can barely see the cars in Gaza City. To understand it, you can compare it to Pyongyang, the secret capital of North Korea, where cars are clearly defined and people can even be spotted.

Are high resolution images available?

Until last year, the U.S. government limited the quality of satellite imagery that U.S. companies were allowed to provide on a commercial basis.

The Kyl-Bingaman Amendment (KBA) was introduced in 1997 to address Israeli security concerns.

Although the decision referred only to Israel, the restriction on images of Palestinian territories also applied.

So why is Gaza still unclear?

The BBC spoke with Google and Apple (whose apps also show satellite imagery).

Apple said it was working to update its maps soon to a higher resolution.

Google said its images come from a range of providers and he considers "opportunities to refresh [her] satellite images as higher resolution images become available".  

"Given the importance of current events, I see no reason why commercial images of this area should continue to be deliberately degraded ," said Nick Waters, an investigator on Twitter.