Microsoft’s Support for Israel’s Gaza War: Report

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

A report exposes Microsoft’s AI and cloud services support for Israel in Gaza.
Microsoft boosted services by 155% after Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
IDF utilized Microsoft for surveillance and offensive planning.
AI analyzed 2.3 million Gaza residents, flagging 37,000 as suspects.
Google and Amazon were also involved in classified projects.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Microsoft’s Role in the Gaza Conflict

A detailed report reveals Microsoft’s deep involvement in supporting Israel’s military operations in Gaza. After Hamas’s October 2023 attack, Microsoft enhanced its partnership with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), providing AI and cloud solutions critical to their operations.

Growing IDF Dependence on Cloud Technology

Amid intensified operations, Microsoft’s cloud usage within the IDF surged by 155% between June 2023 and April 2024. Competitors like Google and Amazon also scrambled to secure military contracts, reflecting the tech industry’s role in modern warfare.

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Leveraging AI for Surveillance

Microsoft’s AI tools, including Lavender, played a pivotal role by analyzing data on 2.3 million Gaza residents. The tool flagged approximately 37,000 individuals as potential threats, illustrating the IDF’s reliance on advanced analytics for security decisions.

Support for Surveillance and Strike Planning

The IDF’s elite intelligence units, such as Unit 8200 and Unit 81, relied heavily on Microsoft’s Azure platform for developing surveillance technology. Additionally, Ofek, an air force division, used Microsoft systems to manage target databases during airstrikes in Gaza.

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Collaborations with Google and Amazon

Besides Microsoft, Google ramped up its AI offerings to Israel’s Defense Ministry, with projects valued at $30 million underway. Amazon, too, contributed cloud storage and intelligence analysis capabilities, highlighting the competitive landscape for military technology contracts.