The conflict intensified in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, leading to a significant Israeli military response in Gaza, resulting in high Palestinian casualties and displacement. Microsoft stated it offers channels for employee voices without business disruption, but Aboussad and another protester reportedly lost access to their work accounts following the incident. The situation underscores the broader controversy over corporate involvement in geopolitical conflicts.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's remarks were interrupted by a pro-Palestinian protesting employee during the company's 50th anniversary celebration over its ties with Israel.
- An investigation revealed that AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI were used in an Israeli military program to select bombing targets in Gaza and Lebanon.
- The protest was part of broader criticism against firms and institutions with ties to Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Microsoft stated it provides avenues for employee voices to be heard without causing business interruption, but the protesting employee reported losing access to work accounts after the protest.