Microsoft Employees Arrested Amid Protests Over Israeli Military Contracts

Eighteen individuals were arrested at Microsoft's Redmond, Washington, headquarters during protests against the company's alleged involvement with the Israeli military. The demonstrations, organized by the employee-led group No Azure for Apartheid, spanned two days and called for Microsoft to terminate its business ties with Israel.

On the first day, approximately 35 protesters occupied a plaza between office buildings and left after being asked to vacate. However, on the second day, protesters resisted and became aggressive after being informed they were trespassing, according to Redmond Police Department spokesperson Jill Green. The demonstrators also splattered red paint over a landmark sign bearing the company logo.

Microsoft has initiated an urgent review of the Israeli military's use of its technology, following reports that the Israeli Defense Forces utilized Microsoft's Azure cloud computing platform to store phone call data obtained through mass surveillance of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The company stated that its standard terms of service prohibit such usage and that the allegations merit a full and urgent review.

The No Azure for Apartheid group has been protesting Microsoft's provision of technology to the Israeli military for months, asserting that the technology is being used to surveil, starve, and kill Palestinians. In May, Microsoft fired an employee who interrupted a speech by CEO Satya Nadella to protest the contracts, and in April, two others were dismissed after disrupting the company's 50th anniversary celebration.

On Tuesday, the protesters posted online a call for what they termed a "worker intifada," referencing the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli military occupation that began in 1987. On Wednesday, the police department reported taking 18 people into custody for multiple charges, including trespassing, malicious mischief, resisting arrest, and obstruction. It was not clear how many of those arrested were Microsoft employees. No injuries were reported.

Microsoft stated that it will continue to uphold its human rights standards in the Middle East while addressing unlawful actions that damage property, disrupt business, or threaten and harm others.