Google removes 'tasteless' Bomb Gaza game from Android app store
Bomb Gaza asked players to drop bombs on the Gaza strip without killing civilians to win points
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Google has removed a game which requested players to "drop bombs on Gaza" without killing civilians from its Android app store after coming under intense criticism.
"Bomb Gaza" allowed users to score points by flying an Israeli aircraft while dropping bombs on cartoon Hamas militants without hurting civilians.
The game, which was available for download on Google Play and Facebook, was branded "tasteless" and "shameful" on social media.
Google confirmed it had removed the game because it violated Google Play policies, which prohibit content advocating gratuitous violence and hate speech "against groups of people based on their race, ethnic origin or religion".
The internet giant did not specify which policy the game had violated.
However, "Bomb Gaza" is one the multiple games that are still available for download on Google Play set in Gaza. These include "Iron Dome", which asks users to intercept rockets before they hit Israel, and “Gaza Hero” where players can exchange Israeli soldiers for food, water and medicines for palestinians.
More than 1,800 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed since the conflict began four weeks ago. Israel has confirmed that 64 of its soldiers have died in combat, while three civilians have been killed by cross-border shelling from Gaza.