Story Highlight
– Microsoft employees protested against software use in Gaza.
– Occupied space named “Free Zone” during the demonstration.
– Protesters called for Microsoft to divest from Israel.
– Microsoft claims no evidence of civilian surveillance found.
– Increased urgency as Gaza humanitarian crisis escalates.
Full Story
Dozens of Microsoft staff gathered at the tech giant’s east campus in Redmond, Washington, to voice their concerns over the alleged use of its software by the Israeli military in Gaza, which they claim facilitates the surveillance of Palestinians. This protest occurred shortly after Microsoft announced the initiation of an independent investigation into these allegations regarding its Azure platform.
Participants, including current and former employees, established an area they called the “Free Zone.” They displayed signs with slogans such as “Join The Worker Intifada – No Labor for Genocide” and “Martyred Palestinian Children’s Plaza.” The demonstration was spearheaded by the No Azure for Genocide group, which is urging Microsoft to withdraw its investments from Israel.
One of the protestors, Joe Lopez, had previously interrupted CEO Satya Nadella during a speech at the annual developer conference, asking him pointedly, “Satya, how about you show how Microsoft is killing Palestinians.”
Hossam Nasr, a recent participant, voiced frustration over what he perceives as Microsoft’s insufficient response to the situation. He felt compelled to escalate his activism following the targeted killing of Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), one of several media casualties in recent conflicts. “I watched him report on Gaza relentlessly… He was the voice of the business. He was intentionally targeted,” remarked Nasr, a former Microsoft employee who lost his job last year after organizing a vigil supporting Palestine.
Recent investigations reported by the Guardian and Israel’s +972 Magazine suggested that the Israeli military’s Unit 8200 is leveraging Azure for extensive storage of mobile calls made by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Microsoft has claimed it was unaware of any civilian surveillance or collection of calls involving its services.
This protest unfolded amid urgent warnings from various humanitarian organizations, including the UN, regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the health ministry estimates that over 62,000 Palestinians have died since the IDF commenced operations following the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Microsoft employee Nasreen Jaradat, aged 29, expressed the urgent need for action: “Every single second that we wait, things are worse and worse in Palestine.” She stated that the situation is deteriorating, with increasing hunger and violence, asserting, “It’s time for us to escalate, however we can.”
The demonstration lasted for approximately two hours before police intervened, instructing the protestors to disperse or face arrest for trespassing. A Microsoft representative confirmed that the group complied with the request to leave, reiterating that the company had no new comments regarding its ongoing inquiry into Azure’s alleged misuse.
Despite a workforce of around 47,000 in Redmond, reactions among employees varied, with some engaging with the activists while others continued their lunch routines. A 28-year-old employee observed the protest and expressed doubts about its effectiveness, commenting, “I don’t think it will.”
However, other demonstrators, like 28-year-old Julius Shan, emphasized the importance of raising awareness within the Microsoft community. “I think we are inspiring conversation among people who work at Microsoft to feel more comfortable talking about this… about how their work is contributing to genocide,” he said, indicating a growing understanding of the company’s complicity in these issues.
