Redmond, Washington (August 28, 2025): Microsoft has terminated two employees after they staged a sit-in protest at company President Brad Smith’s office against the tech giant’s ties with Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The protest, which also saw arrests, has intensified global scrutiny on the role of technology companies in geopolitical conflicts.
Who Were the Fired Employees?
The two employees dismissed are Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli. Both were active members of a protest group demanding that Microsoft end its business relationships with Israel, particularly in light of Israel’s military actions in Gaza since October 2023.
According to the group, Anna and Riki received voicemails confirming their termination. Five other individuals, including former Microsoft workers and outside activists, were also arrested during the sit-in but were not employed by the company at the time.
Microsoft’s Statement
A Microsoft spokesperson said the decision followed “serious breaches of company policies and our code of conduct” related to what the company described as a “break-in at the executive offices.”
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, added:
“We respect the freedom of expression that everyone in this country enjoys as long as they do it lawfully.”
Why Were They Protesting?
The protest group accused Microsoft of enabling human rights violations in Gaza, alleging that the company’s Azure cloud services were being used by an Israeli military surveillance agency to store and analyze recordings of phone calls from Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Speaking after her dismissal, Anna Hattle said:
“We are here because Microsoft continues to provide Israel with the tools it needs to commit genocide while gaslighting and misdirecting its own workers about this reality.”
Microsoft’s Response to Growing Unrest
This is not the first time Microsoft has acted against employee protests over Israel. Earlier in April, two employees were fired after disrupting a company event celebrating its 50th anniversary.
In addition, reports have revealed that Microsoft has sought assistance from the FBI to track pro-Palestinian protests, flagged internal emails containing words like “Gaza,” and even deleted some internal posts critical of its work with Israel.
Last week, nearly 20 people were arrested at Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters after refusing police orders to disperse during a demonstration.
Growing Pressure on Tech Giants
Microsoft is not alone in facing backlash. Several tech companies, universities, and institutions worldwide have witnessed protests over their ties with Israel as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Images of starving Palestinian families, including children, have sparked widespread outrage, fueling calls for corporations to rethink their business dealings with the Israeli government.
The firing of Anna Hattle and Riki Fameli has reignited debates over corporate accountability, employee activism, and the ethical responsibilities of tech giants in conflict zones. As Microsoft doubles down on enforcing company policies, the controversy highlights the growing divide between corporate leadership and employees demanding greater transparency and moral responsibility.