TORONTO – Google has pulled a game simulating attacks on the Gaza Strip from the Google Play store following public outrage over the app.
The game titled “Bomb Gaza,” developed by PlayFTW, was meant to simulate the ongoing conflict between Israel and militant group Hamas.
The game’s description encouraged users to “drop bombs and avoid killing citizens.” Its maturity rating was set to “low.”
It allowed players to drop bombs from a fighter jet, while dodging missiles from Hamas fighters.
Google said it removed the app because it violated its policies, but did not specify which one. The game, released on July 29, was removed some time between midday Sunday and early Monday morning.
According to the Google Play developer program policy, apps cannot include content that includes gratuitous violence, bullying, or hate speech.
The app has sparked outrage, with many taking to the developer’s Facebook page to condemn making light of the ongoing crisis.
“This is sick. You should be ashamed to have created such an app,” wrote one Facebook user. “Do you really think it’s a game?”
“This is not a game, it is inciting and perpetuating hatred, war, oppression and killing,” wrote another.
The app had been downloaded over 1,000 times since its release on July 29, according to a report by The Guardian.
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