How U.S. technology corporations are contributing to ‘israel’s’ AI-driven military actions in Gaza

Abdo Muhammad and Hossam Nasr, former Microsoft staff members of Egyptian heritage, were engaged in a workforce coalition known as “No Azure for Apartheid” prior to their dismissal from the company.

For several months, this organization has been outspoken in its opposition to Microsoft’s sale of cloud-computing technology to the Israeli government. The group has raised alarms over severe human rights abuses and has accused the company of supporting what they describe as Israel’s genocidal actions and alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Microsoft, a prominent force in the realm of cloud services, computer software, and hardware, has announced the dismissal of an unspecified number of employees as part of its adherence to internal protocols. The company has refrained from disclosing further details concerning the circumstances surrounding these terminations.

In a recent series of posts on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Nasr confirmed their dismissal from Microsoft, stating, “It appears that the news is now public. I was terminated from my position at Microsoft on Thursday.” This development came just hours after they had organized a vigil aimed at honoring the memories of Palestinians who, according to Nasr, had lost their lives in actions they described as a genocide funded by the United States and supported by technologies from Microsoft.

Nasr highlighted that his termination, alongside the alleged discriminatory practices against Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim employees at Microsoft, should not be viewed as an isolated case.

He stated that this is indicative of a broader trend of discriminatory and repressive actions that have persisted since at least 2021, specifically targeting individuals with opposing viewpoints.

“This development aligns with an ongoing pattern of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and suppression dating back to 2021 against myself and Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities at Microsoft, for efforts to humanize Palestinians,” he stated.

In a statement, Nasr emphasized that his recent termination from Microsoft will not hinder him from voicing concerns regarding Palestinian rights and what he describes as Microsoft’s alleged involvement in ongoing war crimes.

In response to recent termination, the individual has issued a defiant statement, declaring, “If they believe that my dismissal will silence me, they are gravely mistaken. The more efforts they make to silence us, the stronger and more resolute our voice becomes. Our resolve is firm, and we will continue our efforts undeterred and unyielding.”

Earlier this year, Google, the multinational technology corporation based in California, terminated over 50 employees who were protesting against the company’s involvement in “Project Nimbus,” a controversial contract with the Israeli government.

In 2021, a $1.2 billion agreement was finalized between Google and Amazon to deliver cloud computing and artificial intelligence services to authorities in Tel Aviv.

Cloud computing technology is enhancing the Israeli military’s operations in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon by offering sophisticated data storage and processing solutions.

According to recent reports, the Israeli Defense Forces have reportedly employed cloud-based technologies to store extensive surveillance data on individuals residing in both Gaza and Lebanon.

In addition, cloud service providers have delivered AI technologies and solutions that have significantly boosted military efficiency since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza.

Amazon, Google, and Microsoft Allegedly Involved in Supporting Israeli Military Actions

At the “IT for IDF” conference held in July in Rishon Lezion near Tel Aviv, Col. Racheli Dembinsky, head of the Israeli military’s Center of Computing and Information Systems, announced that Israel is utilizing cloud storage and artificial intelligence technologies from American tech companies in its ongoing conflict with the Gaza Strip.

During a recent lecture, Dembinsky presented slides emblazoned with the logos of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, highlighting the Israeli military’s substantial dependence on these tech giants for their data processing and management needs.

The recent disclosure has once again drawn attention to the partnership between these technology firms and the Israeli military in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This war has resulted in the tragic loss of over 43,100 lives, predominantly affecting women and children.

In her address, Dembinsky highlighted that collaboration with these companies has provided the Israeli military with “substantial operational effectiveness” in the Gaza Strip.

Alphabet Inc.’s subsidiary, Google.

In 2021, Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS) secured a $1.2 billion contract under Project Nimbus to deliver cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning solutions to the Israeli government and its military forces.

One year after initiating the collaboration, Google inaugurated a cloud computing center in the territories occupied by Israel.

Google’s Project Nimbus provides cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, including facial recognition, automated image categorization, object tracking, and sentiment analysis. These capabilities enable the evaluation of emotional content within images, speech, and text, enhancing the company’s AI offerings.

Under the terms of this agreement, Google will provide the Israeli Ministry of Defense with a secure “landing zone” within its cloud infrastructure, facilitating data storage and processing. Additionally, the agreement includes access to Google’s artificial intelligence services.

Google has consistently asserted that its Nimbus contract solely delivers commercial services for various Israeli government ministries, including finance, healthcare, transportation, and education.

According to documents and statements from Israeli officials, a contrasting narrative has emerged.

Amid growing concerns over Israel’s use of artificial intelligence in military operations, particularly in Gaza, a document obtained by TIME indicated that in March 2024, Google broadened its collaboration with the Israeli government. This expansion permits various military units to access Google’s automation technologies.

In addition, Israel has reportedly utilized biometric surveillance systems supplied by Google, including facial recognition technology, as part of its efforts to exert control over Palestinian territories in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

In the aftermath of the Israeli military’s ground invasion of Gaza in October last year, the army extended its surveillance operations in the region. Soldiers have reportedly utilized Google Photos to facilitate biometric identification efforts in Gaza.

On November 19, 2023, Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha was mistakenly identified and subsequently detained without cause by Israeli forces at a checkpoint while attempting to escape North Gaza. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges related to the current system.

The individual claimed he was subjected to blindfolding, interrogation, physical assault, and subsequently released without any provided explanation.

Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli government has reportedly been utilizing advertisements on Google’s search engine and YouTube to spread misleading information about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The advertisements levied unverified allegations suggesting a connection between the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Hamas, asserting that UNRWA employs individuals identified as “terrorists.” These claims appear to be aimed at discrediting the agency and undermining its efforts to support Palestinians residing in Gaza.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has emerged as a leading provider in the cloud computing sector, offering a wide array of services that include computing power, storage options, and artificial intelligence capabilities. The platform serves a diverse clientele, ranging from startups to large enterprises, and continues to expand its global infrastructure to meet growing demands in various industries.

A joint investigation by +972 Magazine and Local Call has revealed that the Israeli military is utilizing Amazon’s cloud services to store surveillance data on Gaza residents. Additionally, the investigation disclosed that the military is acquiring artificial intelligence tools from tech giants Google and Microsoft to support its operational activities.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has been reported to supply Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate with significant data storage resources. These capabilities facilitate the expansive collection of surveillance data pertaining to a large portion of the population in Gaza.

An investigation has revealed that AWS services have at times contributed to the validation of airstrike targets carried out by the Israeli military.

In August 2023, Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon, launched a new cloud region in Israeli-occupied territories as part of Project Nimbus. This development facilitates the transfer of substantial workloads to the cloud by the local authorities.

Among the significant clients utilizing this cloud service is Bank Leumi, a leading financial institution in Israel that has faced criticism over allegations of financing activities related to war crimes and illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has partnered with Palantir Technologies, a prominent American data analytics company, to offer advanced artificial intelligence models tailored for military applications. This collaboration aims to aid clients in improving their operational military capabilities.

In January, Palantir announced a strategic partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense to provide technology aimed at supporting Israel’s military initiatives.

**Microsoft Corporation**

Microsoft has maintained a longstanding business alliance with Israel’s military and intelligence agencies, a partnership that has grown significantly stronger since October 7 of last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once characterized the alliance as “a union forged in the heavens but sanctioned here on Earth.”

Microsoft Azure, the leading cloud computing platform of the technology giant, has been extensively utilized by Israel’s military forces and has served as the primary cloud provider for the Tel Aviv administration.

In the midst of ongoing conflict in Gaza last year, Microsoft launched a new cloud region in Israel, supplying advanced AI and cloud services for military applications.

Microsoft provides a range of services that support various Israeli initiatives, including those related to the expansion of settlements, as well as activities linked to the military, police, and the Israeli Prison Service (IPS).

As of October 2024, reports indicate that more than 10,000 Palestinians are reportedly detained in Israeli facilities, predominantly without formal charges or the benefit of a trial.

The UN Human Rights Office, alongside verified reports from various rights organizations, has raised grave concerns over the treatment of Palestinian detainees from Gaza. Among those reportedly subjected to torture, ill-treatment, and sexual violence are hundreds of medical professionals, staff members of the United Nations, and numerous women and children. These individuals are allegedly held in prolonged, secretive, and incommunicado detention, according to the credible testimonies received.

Reports suggest that since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, a significant number of Palestinians living outside of the region have experienced the suspension of their Microsoft email accounts and Skype access, with no clear explanation provided for these disruptions.

The recent suspensions have exacerbated challenges in accessing bank accounts, caused work disruptions, and intensified the isolation of individuals from their families in Gaza, who have already endured several internet outages over the past year.

The hashtag #NoTechForGenocide has emerged as a rallying cry among activists and advocacy groups opposing the use of technology in facilitating acts of genocide and mass violence.

According to a group of anti-Israel tech employees and activists, the involvement of technology companies in supplying services to Israel implicates them in serious human rights abuses. These groups allege that such involvement aids in facilitating acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed by Israel.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) are currently conducting investigations into these serious violations.

Tech workers are resolutely maintaining their stance against offering services to the Israeli government, which they accuse of practicing apartheid, despite repercussions that include job termination.

The group persistently voices its objections, highlighting a steadfast dedication to upholding ethical standards and human rights, despite facing potential personal and professional repercussions.

In a series of posts, Nasr confronted individuals questioning their apprehension over the repercussions of condemning Microsoft’s involvement in what he described as the genocide in Gaza, by redirecting the inquiry towards them.

In a statement, the individual articulated a recurring inquiry he receives: concerns about the possibility of dismissal or deportation. In response, he consistently counters by questioning others about their own fears, specifically regarding their potential complicity in what he refers to as the modern-day Holocaust.

“Do you not fear remaining silent amidst one of the most significant moral crises of our era? Will you not be concerned about what you will say to your children and grandchildren when they inquire about your stance during the events unfolding in Gaza?”