Microsoft is facing fresh backlash regarding its connections with the Israeli military during the recent Build developer conference. This event was marked by multiple protests, led by critics who argue that Microsoft’s Azure and AI technologies are contributing to the military’s actions against Gaza.

On May 19, during CEO Satya Nadella’s keynote, engineer Joe Lopez, part of the activist group No Azure for Apartheid, interrupted the speech demanding accountability for how Microsoft’s technology allegedly aids in violence against Palestinians. “Show them how Israeli war crimes are powered by Azure!” he claimed, as tensions rose in the venue.

Another protester, a former Google employee, echoed Lopez’s sentiments, stating, “All tech workers should know that big tech is complicit in the Israeli genocide against Palestinians.”

The demonstrations continued the following day when a Palestinian tech worker interrupted Jay Parikh, head of Microsoft’s CoreAI, demanding an end to ties with Israel and shouting, “No Azure for apartheid! Free Palestine!”

These actions occurred in the context of previous protests from former Microsoft employees about the company’s role in Israel, bringing to light widespread concerns about its technology’s consequences on civilian populations in conflict zones. Microsoft has denied any wrongdoing and stated it has found no evidence that its technology is involved in actions harming civilians.