Microsoft issues statement on Israel Gaza situation
Microsoft has issued statements and undertaken reviews in response to allegations concerning the use of its Azure and AI technologies by the Israeli military in the conflict in Gaza. These statements address concerns raised by employees, the public, and media reports regarding the potential for these technologies to be used to target civilians or cause harm.
The company has emphasized its commitment to human rights and its adherence to its Human Rights Commitments in its operations worldwide, including in complex environments like Israel and Gaza. Microsoft has expressed profound concern over the loss of civilian life and has supported humanitarian assistance efforts in both regions.
Internal and External Reviews
Microsoft has conducted both internal reviews and engaged external firms to investigate allegations related to its technology’s use in the Israel-Gaza conflict. These reviews have involved interviewing employees and assessing relevant documents to understand the scope and nature of the usage of its services.
The company’s reviews have focused on assessing whether its Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm individuals. These investigations are a direct response to heightened scrutiny and employee activism within the company.
One specific review initiated in August 2025, following a report by The Guardian, examined allegations that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were using Azure for storing data from mass surveillance of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsoft stated that its standard terms of service prohibit such usage and that it was undertaking a formal review with the assistance of an external law firm and consulting firm to assess these precise allegations.
Findings and Statements on Technology Usage
Based on its reviews, Microsoft has stated that it has found no evidence to date that its Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza. This conclusion has been reached through both internal assessments and external fact-finding efforts.
The company acknowledges its commercial relationship with the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), which includes providing software, professional services, Azure cloud services, and Azure AI services, such as language translation. Microsoft also works with the Israeli government to protect its national cyberspace against external threats, a common practice with governments globally.
However, Microsoft has also noted that militaries typically use their own proprietary software or applications from defense-specific providers for surveillance and operational activities. Microsoft has explicitly stated that it has not created or provided such specialized software or solutions to the IMOD.
Limited Emergency Support and Oversight
Beyond its standard commercial agreements, Microsoft provided limited emergency support to the Israeli government in the weeks following October 7, 2023. This support was specifically aimed at assisting in hostage rescue efforts and was characterized by significant oversight and a selective approval process for requests.
The company indicated that it approved some requests while denying others, aiming to balance the urgent need to save hostages with the imperative to honor the privacy and rights of civilians in Gaza. This exceptional support was provided on a limited basis and with considerable caution.
Microsoft has emphasized that its actions were guided by its principles and were carefully considered to uphold human rights while assisting in life-saving operations. This approach reflects the complex ethical considerations involved in providing technology and support in conflict zones.
Limitations in Visibility and Scope of Reviews
Microsoft has acknowledged limitations in its ability to have complete visibility into how its customers utilize its software and services. Specifically, the company does not have visibility into how customers use its software on their own servers or other devices, particularly for on-premise solutions.
Furthermore, Microsoft stated it does not have visibility into the IMOD’s government cloud operations that are supported through contracts with cloud providers other than Microsoft. Consequently, the scope of their reviews does not extend to these areas, meaning certain customer uses of technology remain outside of Microsoft’s direct oversight.
These limitations mean that while Microsoft reviews its direct provision and terms of service for its own platforms, it cannot fully account for all end-user applications or how data might be managed on separate infrastructure. This lack of comprehensive visibility is a crucial caveat to the findings of their reviews.
Human Rights Commitments and Principles
Microsoft consistently references its commitment to human rights as a guiding principle for its engagement in complex geopolitical situations. The company asserts that its work everywhere is informed and governed by its Human Rights Commitments.
These commitments require customers to implement responsible AI practices, including human oversight and access controls, and prohibit the use of Microsoft’s cloud and AI services in any manner that inflicts harm or violates the law. Microsoft believes it has abided by these commitments in its dealings related to Israel and Gaza.
The company’s AI Code of Conduct further reinforces these principles, prohibiting the use of its technologies in ways that cause harm. Microsoft’s stated position is that its reviews have found no evidence of violations of its terms of service or its AI Code of Conduct by the IMOD.
Actions Taken and Employee Activism
In response to growing concerns and investigations, Microsoft has taken actions such as ceasing and disabling certain services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense. This decision followed findings that supported elements of investigations by news outlets regarding the use of Azure for mass surveillance.
This move came after significant pressure from employees, including protests and advocacy groups like “No Azure for Apartheid,” which have called for Microsoft to terminate its contracts with the Israeli military. Employee activism has played a notable role in pushing the company to address these issues.
Microsoft has also implemented changes to its internal processes, such as expanding its “Integrity Portal” to include a “Trusted Technology Review” mechanism. This allows employees to report concerns about the development and use of technology, aiming to strengthen human rights due diligence in pre-contract reviews.
Broader Context of Tech Industry Involvement
Microsoft is part of a larger ecosystem of technology companies providing services to governments and militaries worldwide. The scrutiny faced by Microsoft is indicative of a broader trend of tech firms being analyzed for their role in geopolitical conflicts.
Reports have indicated that Israel utilizes cloud and AI services from multiple major American tech firms, suggesting a widespread reliance on such technologies within its military and defense sectors. This broader industry involvement highlights the complex ethical landscape faced by major technology providers operating in sensitive regions.
The company’s actions and statements are made within the context of global discussions about the responsible development and deployment of AI and cloud technologies, particularly in the realm of defense and national security.
Humanitarian Assistance and Future Commitments
Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to supporting humanitarian assistance in both Israel and Gaza, as well as in other regions across the Middle East. This commitment is presented as an integral part of its global mission and operations.
The company’s “AI for Humanitarian Action” program, for instance, invests in initiatives focused on disaster response, refugees, children’s needs, and human rights. This demonstrates a dedication to leveraging technology for positive humanitarian impact, separate from its commercial engagements.
Microsoft continues to navigate the complexities of its role in the region, balancing its business relationships with its stated commitment to human rights and humanitarian aid. The company’s ongoing operations and future initiatives will likely continue to be shaped by these competing considerations and public scrutiny.