Google Removes 'Bomb Gaza' Apps From Play Store

Google removed at least two Android apps that simulate Israeli air strikes on Gaza from its Play Store Monday.

The apps were pulled after angry users took to Twitter to criticize Google for allowing the apps in its Play Store.

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BombGaza, released on July 26, according to App Annie, tasked players with dropping bombs on terrorists while avoiding hitting civilians. The game ends when too many civilians were killed, and the "rage meter" reached its limit.

BombGaza, which has been removed from the Play Store, simulated air strikes against Gaza and tasked players with dropping bombs while avoiding civilians. Credit: BombGaza

The other game, Gaza Assault: Code Red, first released in Google Play on July 17, according to App Annie, also tasked players with targeting terrorist cells hidden within Gaza-- though it made no mention of civilians.

Gaza Assault: Code Red was also removed from the Google Play Store Monday. Credit: Gaza Assault: Code Red

Though the games were removed Monday, both were live in the Play Store for more than a week before Google took action-- seemingly due to media coverage that sparked complaints on social media.

I'm just disgusted at this!!! There is a "Bomb Gaza" game in the Google Play app store https://t.co/VRQ3lfyFST #SaveGaza #ShameonGoogle— Sarah McAllister (@SarahJMcA) August 4, 2014

‘Bomb Gaza’ Google Play app called an ‘abomination’ for letting Android users ‘drop bombs and avoid killing ci... http://t.co/cFZfPoIpNF— Hosam El Sokkari (@sokkari) August 4, 2014

A spokesperson for Google told Mashable the company does not comment on specific apps but said, "We remove apps from Google Play that violate our policies." Mashable confirmed both apps had been pulled late Monday morning PDT.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on which policies the apps violated but Google's Developer Program Policies prohibit both violence and bullying and hate speech.

Violence and Bullying: Depictions of gratuitous violence are not allowed. Apps should not contain materials that threaten, harass or bully other users.Hate Speech: We don't allow content advocating against groups of people based on their race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation/gender identity.

The developers for BombGaza and Gaza Assault: Code Red could not immediately be reached for comment.

Other games that simulate Israel's Iron Dome and Hamas rockets remain in the Play Store.