Microsoft Fires Employees for Disruptive Pro-Palestine Protest at Company Event
Microsoft has terminated two employees who disrupted the company’s 50th anniversary celebration in Washington with a protest in support of Palestine. The incident occurred on Friday night during a high-profile company event, leading to significant disruption and drawing attention to Microsoft’s controversial ties with the Israeli military.
According to the company, the employees protested Microsoft’s involvement in supplying artificial intelligence technology to the Israeli army. Their actions caused chaos during the event, which was attended by prominent figures including co-founder Bill Gates and former CEO Steve Ballmer.
Company’s Response and Disciplinary Action
On Monday, Microsoft issued dismissal letters to the involved employees. The company stated that one of them was fired for misconduct, alleging an intent to defame Microsoft, damage its reputation, and disrupt a major company event. The second employee, who had already resigned, was asked to leave immediately—five days before their official last working day.
Details of the Protest
The protest began on April 4 when Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, was presenting the company’s AI innovations and long-term vision. During his address, employee Ibtihal Abusad interrupted by shouting, “You should be ashamed,” and moved toward the stage, prompting Suleyman to pause his speech. She accused Microsoft of aiding the Israeli military by selling AI-powered weapons, holding them responsible for contributing to the deaths of over 50,000 people.
Despite Suleyman acknowledging her concerns by saying, “Thank you for your protest, I am listening to you,” Abusad continued shouting, accusing Microsoft of having “blood on their hands” and threw a keffiyeh—a symbol of Palestinian solidarity—onto the stage. She was subsequently removed from the event.
Second Disruption
Later during the celebration, another Microsoft employee, Vania Agarwal, protested while Gates, Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella were on stage—marking the first time all three former and current CEOs shared a public platform since 2014.
Background of the Controversy
The protests come amid reports earlier this year alleging that AI models developed by Microsoft and OpenAI were used by the Israeli military to identify bombing targets in Gaza and Lebanon. One such airstrike in 2023 reportedly killed three young girls and their grandmother in Lebanon. Additionally, in February, five Microsoft employees were removed from a meeting with CEO Satya Nadella after raising concerns over military-related contracts.
