During Microsoft's 50th anniversary event on April 4, 2025, software engineer Ibtihal Aboussad publicly protested the company's provision of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the Israeli military, leading to her immediate termination. This incident underscores growing internal dissent over the ethical implications of Microsoft's military contracts.

The termination of Aboussad and fellow employee Vaniya Agrawal, who also protested, highlights a broader debate within Microsoft regarding the company's involvement in supplying AI and cloud services to the Israeli military. These events have sparked discussions about corporate ethics, employee activism, and the role of technology in modern warfare.

The protest began when Aboussad interrupted a speech by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, accusing the company of enabling violence in the Middle East. She stated, "You claim that you care about using AI for good but Microsoft sells AI weapons to the Israeli military." Aboussad further alleged that Microsoft's technology contributed to the deaths of 50,000 people, asserting that the company "powers this genocide in our region." She then threw a keffiyeh scarf onto the stage before being escorted out by security.

Later in the event, Agrawal disrupted a panel featuring CEO Satya Nadella, former CEO Steve Ballmer, and co-founder Bill Gates. She shouted, "Shame on all of you... Cut ties with Israel," before being removed from the venue.

Following the protests, Microsoft terminated Aboussad for misconduct, citing her actions as disruptive to the event. In her termination letter, the company stated that she made "hostile, unprovoked, and highly inappropriate accusations" and that her conduct was "so aggressive and disruptive that you had to be escorted out of the room by security." Agrawal, who had planned to resign on April 11, had her resignation expedited to April 7 after participating in the protest.

Microsoft has confirmed providing advanced AI and cloud services, including its Azure platform, to the Israeli military during the Gaza conflict, primarily to support efforts such as locating hostages. The company, however, asserted that there is no evidence its technologies were used to harm civilians in Gaza. Microsoft emphasized adherence to its AI Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibit unlawful harm.

These incidents highlight internal dissent within Microsoft regarding its contracts with the Israeli military, particularly concerning the ethical implications of supplying AI technology used in military operations. The advocacy group No Azure for Apartheid, comprising current and former Microsoft employees, has been vocal in opposing these contracts. In February 2025, five Microsoft employees were ejected from a meeting with CEO Satya Nadella for protesting the contracts. The employees wore shirts that spelled out "Does Our Code Kill Kids, Satya?"

In October 2024, Microsoft fired two employees who organized an unauthorized vigil at its Redmond headquarters to honor Palestinians killed in the Gaza war. The employees, part of the group "No Azure for Apartheid," sought to address the company's involvement in the Israeli government's use of its technology.

Microsoft has acknowledged providing AI services to the Israeli military but denies that its technology was used to harm civilians in Gaza. The company emphasizes adherence to its AI Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibit unlawful harm. In response to the protests, Microsoft stated, "We provide many avenues for all voices to be heard. Importantly, we ask that this be done in a way that does not cause a business disruption. If that happens, we ask participants to relocate. We are committed to ensuring our business practices uphold the highest standards."

The protests and subsequent terminations have sparked a broader conversation about the role of technology companies in global conflicts and the ethical responsibilities of corporations supplying AI and cloud services to military entities. The incidents have also highlighted the challenges companies face in balancing employee activism with corporate policies and business interests.

As the tech industry continues to grapple with these complex issues, the actions taken by Microsoft and its employees may serve as a catalyst for further discussions on corporate ethics, employee rights, and the impact of technology on global conflicts.