BDS calls for boycott of Microsoft and Xbox gaming products over alleged Israeli military connections

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement is urging people to cancel their Game Pass subscriptions, avoid Microsoft-owned video game properties like Minecraft and Call Of Duty, and boycott all Microsoft Gaming and Xbox-branded products to protest the company’s reported business ties with the Israeli military.

The call stems from allegations made in January about the Israeli military using Microsoft’s Azure cloud technology and artificial intelligence products during their operations in Gaza.

A joint investigation by the Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call, with additional reporting from Drop Site News, revealed that Microsoft has strengthened its relationship with Israel’s defense establishment since October 7, 2023, following a deadly attack by Palestinian militant groups. The Israeli military’s subsequent actions have resulted in significant destruction and casualties in Gaza.

The Guardian’s January 2025 report suggests that Microsoft provided storage, computing services, and technical support worth at least $10 million to the Israeli Defense Forces. While some services were used for administrative purposes, Azure was allegedly utilized for combat and intelligence operations.

The investigation also alleges that Israeli security forces used Microsoft technology to monitor Palestinian populations and manage airstrike targets. Additionally, the Israeli military reportedly had access to OpenAI’s GPT-4 technology.

Both the Israeli military and Microsoft did not comment on the Guardian’s findings.

Former Microsoft employees Abdo Mohamed and Hossam Nasr, who were fired in October 2024 for organizing a vigil for Palestinians killed in Gaza, are key figures in the recent BDS call for a boycott of Microsoft’s gaming products. BDS has previously protested Microsoft’s ties to Israeli organizations.

BDS is now targeting games published by Microsoft in response to the January allegations. More information on the boycott can be found on the BDS website.