Microsoft disables set of key services to Israeli military after review found Gaza surveillance

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has disabled certain cloud and AI services used by a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense following an internal review that found preliminary evidence supporting media reports of a surveillance system in Gaza and the West Bank [1][5]. Group 1: Investigation Findings - A joint investigation revealed that an Israeli military surveillance agency utilized Microsoft's Azure to store significant amounts of mobile phone call recordings from Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza [2]. - The Guardian's investigation indicated that Israel depended on Microsoft cloud services for extensive surveillance of Palestinians [3]. Group 2: Company Actions - Microsoft has informed the Israeli defense ministry of its decision to cease and disable specific IMOD subscriptions and their associated services, including certain cloud storage and AI technologies [6][8]. - The company emphasized that it does not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians [6][8]. Group 3: Internal Review and Employee Actions - During the ongoing review, Microsoft found evidence supporting aspects of the Guardian's reporting, including details on IMOD's use of Azure storage capacity in the Netherlands [5]. - Microsoft terminated four employees who participated in protests regarding the company's ties to Israel, citing serious breaches of company policies and safety concerns [8][9].