Dozens of Microsoft employees occupied the company's east campus in Redmond, Washington, to protest against the alleged use of its software by the Israeli military for operations in Gaza and surveillance of Palestinians. The protest, organised by the No Azure for Genocide group, demanded that Microsoft divest from Israel.
The demonstrators declared a 'Free Zone' and held placards reading 'Join The Worker Intifada – No Labor for Genocide' and 'Martyred Palestinian Children's Plaza'. The action came less than a week after Microsoft announced an independent investigation into the use of its Azure software following reports that Israel's Unit 8200 used Azure to store recordings of mobile phone calls made by Palestinians.
Demonstrator Hossam Nasr, a former Microsoft employee fired after organising a Palestine vigil, said the protest escalated due to Microsoft's inadequate response. He cited the targeted killing of Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif by the Israel Defense Forces as a personal motivation. Microsoft has stated it found no evidence that its Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the Gaza conflict.
The protest lasted about two hours before police ordered the demonstrators to leave, warning of arrest for trespassing. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the group left when asked. The company employs around 47,000 people at Redmond; some employees expressed sympathy but doubted the protest's impact.
