Microsoft Takes Urgent Action Against Israeli Military Over Gaza

The tech giant Microsoft has pledged to conduct an urgent review of the Israeli military's use of its technologies during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. This decision follows intense protests led by the company's own workers, which resulted in the arrest of 18 people during two consecutive days of demonstrations outside the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

The protesters, who became "aggressive" after refusing to leave, demanded that Microsoft immediately sever its business ties with Israel. In a symbolic act of protest, they threw red, blood-like paint on a prominent sign bearing the company's logo. According to police spokesperson Jill Green, the protesters were told they would be arrested if they didn't leave, but they chose to remain, leading to their detention.

These protests come after Microsoft announced last week that it had hired a law firm to investigate allegations published by the British newspaper "The Guardian." The claims state that Israeli forces used the company's Azure cloud computing platform to store phone call data collected through surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

What are Microsoft's terms for using its technology in Gaza?

Microsoft has not issued any official statement specifying special terms for the use of its technology in Gaza. However, its current review indicates that the company may re-evaluate its policies to ensure that its products are not used in human rights violations or military contexts that contradict its stated principles.

How much does the Israeli military rely on Microsoft's technology?

The Israeli military heavily relies on Microsoft technology, including cloud computing services like Azure and various software products. This high level of dependency is precisely why the protesters focused on the company, demanding it terminate all contracts that serve the Israeli military.

Has Microsoft officially denied using its technology to target civilians?

Microsoft has not explicitly denied the allegations; instead, it announced that it is investigating them. Its decision to hire an independent law firm reflects the company's seriousness in addressing these accusations. The lack of a direct denial also suggests that the company may not have all the facts yet.

Where did the protest at Microsoft's headquarters take place?

The protests occurred at Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

What are the protesters' demands to cut business ties with Israel?

The protesters' demands can be summarized in one key point: to end all contracts and business cooperation between Microsoft and the Israeli military. They believe that the company's technology is being used in military operations that harm Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, and they are demanding that the company take moral responsibility and immediately halt this support.