A seasoned engineer at Microsoft has decided to resign, citing the company’s cloud computing services for the Israeli military as a primary concern. Reports indicate that Microsoft has been facing internal strife for months regarding its involvement in the ongoing war in Gaza.
Scott Sutfin-Growsky, a principal software engineer, informed his colleagues on Thursday of his plan to leave at the week’s end after 13 years with the company.
According to a previous report, the Israeli military allegedly maintained at least 635 active subscriptions with Microsoft.
One retired engineer pointed out that many of these subscriptions remain active.
Sutfin-Growsky expressed his discontent, stating, “It is no longer acceptable to enable what I believe to be the worst atrocities of our time.”
Microsoft has been grappling with dissatisfaction among employees who lean left politically, particularly concerning its cooperation with Israel.
A group called “Azure Against Apartheid” is spearheading the protests against the company’s actions.
In his communications, Sutfin-Growsky claimed that Microsoft restricted access to internal forums where employees were meant to raise their concerns.
This resignation coincides with a new ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that is reportedly taking effect in Gaza.
In his farewell message, Sutfin-Growsky noted, “Today, after two years of genocide, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip finally comes into effect, but atrocities, human rights violations, war crimes, apartheid and occupation continue.”
Microsoft has not yet provided a comment regarding this situation.
In August, the company dismissed two employees who protested in Microsoft President Brad Smith’s office, advocating for an end to services provided to Israel.
Shortly before that, a group of anti-Israel employees, some wearing masks and keffiyeh, camped out on Microsoft’s campus in Redmond, Washington. They renamed part of the area to “Martyred Palestinian Children Square” before law enforcement intervened.
To date, Microsoft has reportedly let go of at least five employees involved in these protests.
Furthermore, the company allegedly sought the FBI’s assistance in monitoring protests aimed at Smith and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
