What are the demands of the No Azure for Apartheid group?

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The No Azure for Apartheid group demands Microsoft sever ties with Israel and provide reparations to Palestinians.

The No Azure for Apartheid group has publicly stated its demands that Microsoft cease all connections with Israel and make reparations to Palestinians. These demands were articulated by the protest group in relation to Microsoft's alleged involvement in supporting Israeli military actions in Gaza. The group's name itself, "No Azure for Apartheid," directly references Microsoft's cloud computing service, Azure, indicating their focus on the company's technological contributions.
Protestors Fired Following Office Occupation

Two Microsoft employees, Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli, were dismissed following their participation in a sit-in at the office of Microsoft president Brad Smith. The company cited "serious breaches of company policies and our code of conduct" as the reason for termination, specifically related to an alleged "break-in at the executive offices." Seven individuals, including the two terminated employees, were arrested during the protest on Tuesday. The remaining five arrested were identified as former Microsoft workers and external individuals.
Allegations of Microsoft's Role in Surveillance

The protest by No Azure for Apartheid is informed by a joint media investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call. This investigation reported that an Israeli military surveillance agency is utilizing Microsoft's Azure software to store extensive recordings of mobile phone calls from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Furthermore, the investigation suggested that Israel is leveraging Microsoft's cloud infrastructure for broad surveillance operations targeting Palestinians.
Microsoft's Response and Broader Protests

In light of these allegations, Microsoft announced earlier this month that it has commissioned the law firm Covington & Burling LLP to conduct a review of the matter. The company has also stated that it respects freedom of expression as long as it is exercised lawfully, a comment made by President Brad Smith. This incident is not isolated, as other Microsoft employees have also voiced opposition to the company's ties with Israel. Previously, in April, a pro-Palestinian employee disrupted remarks by Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman during the company's 50th-anniversary celebration, leading to their termination along with another protester. Protests against firms and universities with links to Israel have become more frequent as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened.

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What are the demands of the No Azure for Apartheid group?

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