Human rights group accuses Microsoft of supporting Israeli military in Gaza
Skyline International for Human Rights accused Microsoft of providing at least 10 million dollars in technical support to the Israeli military since October 2023, including cloud services, targeting systems, and the Lavender AI system allegedly linked to civilian deaths in Gaza. The organization called for Microsoft to end contracts with Israeli forces and disclose its military relationships.
What happened
Skyline International for Human Rights called for Microsoft to be held accountable for providing technical support to the Israeli military since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, valued at no less than 10 million dollars through its Azure cloud platform.
According to reports cited by the organization, Microsoft's support included data management services, development of targeting systems, surveillance technologies, and advanced AI tools including Lavender, an AI system designed to identify bombing targets, and biometric surveillance technologies to track Palestinians.
Reported impact
Skyline International alleged that the Lavender system is linked to the killing of thousands of civilians in Gaza. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health cited in the statement, death toll exceeded 50,800 people, including over 18,000 children.
Index analysis
Skyline International stated that Microsoft's continued support violates UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Conduct and Human Rights. The organization alleged Microsoft has deepened its involvement by continuing contracts with the Israeli military, matching employee donations to organizations funding the Israeli war machine and illegal settlements, and suppressing internal dissent by firing employees who express opposition to company policies.
Governance controls
Skyline International called on Microsoft to immediately end all contracts with occupation forces, halt all forms of support for operations violating international human rights standards, and transparently disclose all relationships with the Israeli military system.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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