Redmond, Washington — At least 18 individuals were arrested on Wednesday following a protest at Microsoft’s headquarters, where employees demonstrated against the company’s contracts related to Israel. The protest, led by a group identifying itself as “No Azure For Apartheid,” included current and former Microsoft employees who accused the tech giant of facilitating military operations in Israel through its AI technology.

The protest began around noon when demonstrators gathered on company property, voicing concerns over allegations that Microsoft’s Azure platform aids the Israeli military. They claimed the technology is being used to “surveil, starve and kill Palestinians.” Local law enforcement reported that the situation escalated as some protesters blocked access to a pedestrian bridge and vandalized property by pouring red paint over a Microsoft sign.

Law enforcement initially sought to de-escalate the situation by urging the group to vacate the premises. However, protesters reportedly resisted and exhibited aggressive behavior, which prompted police to make the arrests. Those detained face potential charges including trespassing and malicious mischief, but fortunately, no injuries were reported during the event.

In response to the demonstration, Microsoft emphasized its commitment to upholding human rights and adhering to its contractual obligations. The company stated it is currently conducting an independent review regarding the use of its services in the region. “We will continue to perform the necessary work to sustain our human rights standards and address any unlawful actions,” Microsoft said in a statement.

This latest protest follows a similar demonstration on Tuesday where approximately 35 people gathered without incident after being informed by police that protests were not allowed on private property. The escalation on Wednesday marks a shift in the atmosphere, revealing growing tensions between employees and the corporation regarding its contracts with Israel.

The conflict over Microsoft’s contracts comes amid a broader climate of dissent within tech companies. In recent months, several employees have raised objections to corporate partnerships with Israel. In May, a Microsoft employee was fired for interrupting CEO Satya Nadella during a speech to protest such contracts. Similar tensions have been seen at other tech firms, where employees have made headlines for opposing their companies’ business dealings with Israel.

As the fallout continues, the tech industry faces increasing scrutiny over its relationships and responsibilities in conflict zones. The protests at Microsoft’s campus reflect a larger movement among employees who feel compelled to advocate for ethical corporate practices on global stages.