Mon Apr 07 15:53:26 UTC 2025: ## Microsoft Engineer Quits After Confronting Gates, Ballmer, and Nadella Over Israeli Defense Contract

**REDMOND, WA** – A Microsoft software engineer, Vaniya Agrawal, resigned from the company after publicly protesting its alleged complicity in the deaths of Palestinians. During Microsoft’s 50th-anniversary celebration on March 4th, Agrawal interrupted a panel featuring Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and Satya Nadella, accusing them of “celebrating on the blood of Palestinians.”

Agrawal, who worked in Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence division, cited Microsoft’s reported $133 million cloud and AI contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defence. She claimed this technology had been used in the deaths of 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Her protest, which involved another employee, led to both their resignations.

In a company-wide email announcing her departure, effective April 11th, Agrawal stated she could not “in good conscience, be part of a company that participates in this violent injustice.”

Agrawal’s LinkedIn profile reveals a career spanning roles from medical assistant and tea consultant to software engineer at Amazon before joining Microsoft in 2023. She also previously ran a small Etsy business.

Microsoft has yet to issue a public statement addressing Agrawal’s accusations or her resignation. The incident highlights growing criticism of technology companies’ involvement in military contracts and their potential impact on civilian populations in conflict zones.

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