On August 21, 2025, members of the advocacy group No Azure for Apartheid staged a protest at Microsoft’s headquarters, claiming the company supports Israeli military actions through its technology. They faced police intervention, leading to the arrest of 18 individuals for various offenses, including trespassing and obstruction.

During the demonstration, protesters allegedly vandalized a Microsoft sign and obstructed pedestrian pathways. A spokesperson for the company described the actions as vandalism that disrupted local business activities, asserting that Microsoft remains committed to upholding human rights standards.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that tensions escalated as demonstrators called for an end to Microsoft’s business with Israel, condemning the use of its Azure cloud platform in military operations.

Since October 2023, conflicts in Gaza, reportedly facilitated by Microsoft services, have resulted in significant civilian casualties, raising ethical concerns among community members and former Microsoft employees who participated in the protest.

Community representatives expressed their determination to continue advocating against perceived complicity in violence, asserting that protests would persist until their demands are met.