Microsoft reveals emergency support role in Israeli hostage rescue efforts

Tech giant Microsoft acknowledged on Thursday that it provided emergency assistance to the State of Israel to support efforts to rescue hostages held by Hamas in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attacks.

The public disclosure came amid mounting criticism from anti-Israel activists and some employees, who alleged that the company’s artificial intelligence and cloud services were being used by the Israeli military in ways that harmed civilians in Gaza.

“We do occasionally provide special access to our technologies beyond the terms of our commercial agreements. In addition to the commercial relationship with the IMOD (Israel Ministry of Defense), Microsoft provided limited emergency support to the Israeli government in the weeks following October 7, 2023, to help rescue hostages. We provided this help with significant oversight and on a limited basis, including approval of some requests and denial of others. We believe the company followed its principles on a considered and careful basis, to help save the lives of hostages while also honoring the privacy and other rights of civilians in Gaza,” Microsoft said in its official statement.

The tech giant emphasized that it was committed to defending Israel’s cybersecurity while simultaneously embracing human rights.

“Microsoft has long defended the cybersecurity of the State of Israel and the people who live there. We similarly have long been committed to other nations and people across the Middle East. Our commitment to human rights guides how we engage in complex environments and how our technology is used.”

Microsoft also expressed concern over the loss of life both in Israel and Gaza.

“We share the profound concern over the loss of civilian life in both Israel and Gaza and have supported humanitarian assistance in both places. The work we do everywhere in the world is informed and governed by our Human Rights Commitments. Based on everything we currently know, we believe Microsoft has abided by these Commitments in Israel and Gaza.”

Israel, often dubbed the “Start-Up Nation,” has become one of the world’s leading technology hubs, attracting global tech giants like Microsoft.

In October 2024, engineers from Microsoft’s Israel office, together with the Israeli nonprofit Edut 710, launched an AI-based platform to preserve the testimonies of survivors of the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7.

Edut 710 co-founder, Itay Ken-Tor, praised the cooperation with Microsoft.

“Collaborating with the amazing employees at Microsoft has allowed us to take another step forward in our commitment to the survivors, their stories, and society at large, ensuring that these testimonies reach a wide audience and are not just preserved in archives,” Ken-Tor explained.

“The platform reflects our belief in presenting a broad range of perspectives and empowering each individual to interpret the events in their own way, rather than following a dictated narrative,” he added.

Ady Mor-Biran, director of Microsoft Garage for the Middle East and Africa, expressed the company’s dedication to supporting those affected by the Hamas massacre.

“This project exemplifies the power of technological innovation, particularly AI, in serving the community, and emphasizes our commitment to remembering and honoring the victims and survivors of the events of October 7th,” Mor-Biran stated.