Microsoft has publicly confirmed that it provided advanced artificial intelligence tools and cloud computing services to the Israeli military during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marking the company’s first formal acknowledgement of its involvement in the war.
In a statement published on its official website on Thursday, Microsoft revealed that its Azure cloud platform and AI technologies were used by the Israeli army, particularly to support hostage recovery operations.
However, the company stated that it has found no evidence so far that its services were used to target or harm civilians in Gaza.
This admission comes nearly three months after an investigative report by the Associated Press uncovered previously unreported details of a growing partnership between Microsoft and the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
According to the AP report, military use of Microsoft’s commercial AI technologies increased over 200-fold following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and triggered a conflict that has since claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.
The report also detailed how the Israeli military has been using Microsoft’s Azure platform to duplicate, translate, and analyse intelligence gathered through mass surveillance.
This data is reportedly cross-referenced with internal AI-powered targeting systems, enhancing the military’s decision-making capabilities.
Microsoft's acknowledgment has intensified scrutiny of how major tech firms collaborate with governments and militaries during armed conflicts, raising ethical questions about the use of AI in warfare and its potential impact on human rights.
The company said it remains committed to reviewing its technologies and ensuring responsible AI deployment, especially in high-risk conflict zones. However, critics are calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding the role of private tech giants in modern warfare.
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