Updated satellite photographs of **Gaza**, now accessible on **Google Earth** and **Google Maps**, showcase extensive devastation, especially in the Beit Hanoun area in northern Gaza. Although these images have been recently added, they originate from October and November 2023, indicating that Google has not yet supplied more recent **satellite mapping** of the area.
The lack of current satellite imagery is not limited to Gaza. In numerous locations, including **Ukraine** and significant urban centers like New York and London, satellite images are generally around two years outdated. However, reports suggest that satellite firms have delayed the dissemination of images from Gaza. A **Semafor investigation** conducted in late 2024 revealed restricted access to visuals from Planet Labs, a provider of satellite imagery for Google.
For many years, the **Kyl-Bingaman Amendment**, a component of the 1997 U.S. National Defense Authorization Act, barred American firms from releasing high-resolution satellite images of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. This limitation was loosened in June 2020, when the **U.S. Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs Office** permitted commercial satellite companies to capture higher-quality images. Nevertheless, the existing satellite photos still fail to fully convey the extent of the destruction on the ground.
As displaced Palestinians move back to northern Gaza, many are looking for their homes and loved ones for the first time since the war commenced 15 months ago. Under the initial phase of a ceasefire arrangement between **Israel and Hamas**, Israel has reopened a border point in central Gaza after Hamas consented to free Israeli civilian **Arbel Yehoud**. The temporary ceasefire is scheduled to last 42 days, but it remains unclear if a lasting peace agreement will be achieved.
Recently, Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu**, who is facing an **arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court** over alleged war crimes, was the first foreign leader to visit the White House since **Donald Trump’s second term** began. During a joint press briefing, Trump suggested a **U.S. takeover of Gaza**, proposing that Palestinians ought to move to **”countries of interest with a humanitarian heart.”**
Since **October 7, 2023**, the **death toll in Gaza** has surpassed **46,000**, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. However, these statistics reflect only deaths resulting from direct violence. A study published in **The Lancet** medical journal indicates that the true number could be as much as **40% higher**. The report also identified that **59.1%** of those who succumbed to traumatic injuries were **women, children, and elderly individuals**.