Police arrested 18 people on Wednesday during worker-led protests at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, as employees demanded an urgent review of the company’s technology contracts with the Israeli military amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The protests, which continued for a second consecutive day, called on Microsoft to immediately sever its business ties with Israel.
The demonstrations follow earlier incidents, including the May firing of a Microsoft employee who interrupted CEO Satya Nadella’s speech to protest the company’s military contracts.
Employees argue that Microsoft’s technology could be used in ways that contribute to human rights violations, raising ethical concerns over the company’s business decisions.
Microsoft responded to the protests by promising an “urgent review” of how its technology is being used in military operations, particularly in the context of the Gaza conflict.
The company emphasized that it takes employee concerns seriously and is examining ways to ensure that its products are not misused in violation of international law.
The arrests at the Redmond campus underscore rising tensions between corporate policies, employee activism, and international conflicts.
Activists have vowed to continue applying pressure on Microsoft and other tech companies to take a more active role in addressing the ethical implications of their contracts with military organizations worldwide.