Microsoft Fires Two Employees Over Protest Against Israel Ties

Quick Summary

• Two Microsoft employees were fired after participating in a sit-in at the office of company president Brad Smith to protest Microsoft’s alleged ties to Israel amid its military assault on Gaza.
• A spokesperson for Microsoft stated the terminations were due to “serious breaches of company policies and our code of conduct.”
• The protest group, No Azure for Apartheid, claims Microsoft’s Azure software aids Israeli surveillance on Palestinians and has demanded reparations for Palestinians.
• Seven protesters in total were arrested during the occupation.Five were former employees or individuals outside the company; two fired employees received termination notices via voicemail.
• A media investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call reported that Israeli military agencies used Azure software to store surveillance data from Palestinians living in Gaza and the West Bank.
• In response to criticism, Microsoft announced hiring Covington & Burling LLP for a review of its position concerning its involvement with Israel.
• Previous protests have occurred within Microsoft regarding this issue. Two pro-Palestinian workers protesting Microsoft’s ties with Israel during an anniversary event in April were also terminated.
• Broader protests against institutions linked with Israel have risen globally due to mounting concerns over humanitarian crises caused by the Gaza conflict.

!