UK Removes Game Inspired by Al-Aqsa Flood Operation From Steam

London (Quds News Network)- A game where players simulate aspects of Hamas’s October 7 military operation against military sites in the occupation state of Israel was removed from Steam in the UK. British counterterrorism police requested its removal, according to emails from the game’s developer.
“Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque” was first released in 2022. It follows Ahmad al-Falastini, a fictional Palestinian seeking revenge on Israeli soldiers for killing his family.
The updated version, “Operation al-Aqsa Flood”, launched earlier this month. It mirrors Hamas’s October 7 military operation, including scenes of fighters entering Israel’s Re’im military base with motorized hang gliders and wearing green scarves. Players also combat Israeli soldiers.
UK Police Intervention
Developer Nidal Nijm said Valve Corporation, which owns Steam, removed the game at the request of the UK Counter-Terrorism Internet Referral Unit. Valve said it complies with local regulations but provided no further details.
The game is still available on Steam in most countries but is restricted in Germany and Australia due to age regulations.
Game Developer’s Defense
Nijm, a Brazilian of Palestinian descent, called the game a political protest, not an endorsement of Hamas. He told Al Jazeera that it highlights the Palestinian right to resist occupation while avoiding propaganda.
“The gameplay is deliberately restrained,” Nijm said. “Players fail the mission if they harm unarmed civilians.”
Nijm criticized the West’s double standards, pointing to games like “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6”, which allows players to simulate American attacks against the Iraqi people.
“I do not blame Valve nor Steam; the blame is on the UK government and authorities that are pissed off by a video game. On their flawed logic, the most recent Call of Duty Black Ops 6 should be banned, as well,” he said.
“As you play as an American soldier and go to Iraq to kill Iraqi people. What I can say is that we see clearly the double standards.”