Microsoft has initiated an urgent investigation into allegations that its Azure cloud platform is being used by Israel's Unit 8200 to conduct mass surveillance on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Reports reveal that since 2022, Unit 8200 has stored millions of intercepted Palestinian phone calls on Azure, enabling extensive monitoring and military operations, including airstrikes and arrests. Microsoft states its terms of service prohibit such use and has engaged external legal and technical experts to review the claims. Despite internal and external reviews finding no evidence of misuse to date, the company acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and commits to public disclosure of findings. The surveillance system reportedly plays a key role in Israel's control over Gaza and the occupied territories, raising significant ethical and human rights concerns. (Updated 18 Aug 2025, 17:00 IST; source: link)