Israel-Gaza: Why is the region blurry on Google Maps?

Why is Gaza, one of the most densely populated places in the world, blurry on Google Maps?

It's an issue that has been highlighted by researchers using open-source, publicly available information – including mapping data – to locate attacks and document the destruction. 

"The fact that we don't get high-resolution satellite images from Israel and Palestinian territories sets us back," says Samir, an open-source investigator.

In fact, much of both Israel and the Palestinian territories appear on Google Earth as low-resolution satellite imagery, even though higher-quality images are available from satellite companies.