Published 18:15 IST, July 16th 2020

Palestine disappears from Google Maps and Apple Maps? Netizens 'want it back'

'Free Palestine' has started trending on Twitter on July 16 since people started discovering that there is “No Palestine” on both Apple and Google maps.

Reported by: Aanchal Nigam
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Several people complained that Palestine has disappeared from both Google Maps and Apple Maps with official statement from both companies. move apparently came while Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to establish West Bank annexations that have already triggered global criticism with many countries calling it ‘human rights violation’. years-long Israel-Palestine conflict has been furr spiralling since Netanyahu’s coalition government is appearing to t lose any time moving forward with plans that considerably weaken Palestinian Authority. 

#FreePalestine has even started trending on Twitter since people started discovering that re is “ Palestine” on both Apple and Google maps.  Thousand of internet users are t only posting screenshots of both smartphone applications that are t showing any results to ‘Palestinepalestine’ but are also expressing ir frustration with move while also tagging company’s accounts and demanding answers. Few even shared an im of old maps where Palestine is prominent and covers most of area.

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Palestine was never on Google Maps?

While Palestine supporters have been demanding to 'put it back' on maps, it never existed on Google Maps or Apple Maps, a report stated. “re has never been a ‘Palestine’ label on Google Maps, however we discovered a bug that removed labels for ‘West Bank’ and ‘Gaza Strip,’” company reportedly said in an official statement. “We’re working quickly to bring se labels back to area.”

West Bank Annexations

Internet users started ticing removal of Palestine from maps when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to annex Jewish settlements and Jordan Valley, a move that has potential to dismantle any hopes of a Palestinian state. Just weeks ago, dozens of Palestinians had protested against se West bank Settlements that have even been criticised by global powers including UK and France. 

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United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) had even passed a resolution with a thin margin last month for implementation of strict penalties against Israel for settlement activities along with accusations of human rights violations including an arms embargo. According to international media reports, resolution has also called on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to come up with a report in 2021 on how Israel can be cornered to adhere to UN resolutions that call for ceasing settlement activity and withdrawal to lines before 1967. 

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15:39 IST, July 16th 2020