Microsoft Faces Scrutiny Over AI Contracts in Gaza War

Cloud Amid Crisis

Microsoft has acknowledged that it sold artificial intelligence and cloud computing services to Israeli government entities during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The admission follows a shareholder inquiry and rising scrutiny over tech companies’ roles in international military operations. Microsoft confirmed it had contracts with Israeli ministries during the war but stated that “there is no evidence” that its Azure cloud services were directly used to inflict harm. However, this revelation has sparked significant concerns among human rights advocates and civil society groups who argue that accountability and transparency are lacking when it comes to how advanced technologies are deployed in wartime contexts.

Ethics Under the Microscope

The company stressed it follows an AI ethics framework and evaluates deals through a human rights lens, but critics say those guidelines are insufficient. Activists are calling for greater oversight and demanding that tech companies like Microsoft be more forthcoming about how their technologies are used, especially in regions experiencing violence or occupation. Shareholder pressure and internal employee activism have also intensified, with some comparing the situation to broader industry debates about AI’s use in surveillance and military contexts. As global reliance on cloud infrastructure deepens, the ethical responsibilities of tech giants are once again in sharp focus.