Palestinians Abroad Accuse Microsoft of Unjustly Closing Email Accounts
Palestinians living abroad have accused Microsoft of closing their email accounts without warning, cutting them off from crucial online services. This unexpected action has left many unable to access bank accounts, job offers, and even Skype, which is owned by Microsoft, preventing them from contacting relatives in war-torn Gaza.
Microsoft claims these accounts violated its terms of service, a statement disputed by those affected. Eiad Hametto, who resides in Saudi Arabia, expressed his frustration: “They killed my life online,” he said. “They’ve suspended my email account that I’ve had for nearly 20 years – It was connected to all my work.”
Impact on Communication and Services
For many, being cut off from Skype has been a significant blow. The internet in Gaza is frequently disrupted or switched off due to the ongoing Israeli military campaign, making standard international calls very expensive. Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on 7 October, which killed about 1,200 people. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that more than 38,000 people have been killed in the war.
With a paid Skype subscription, it is possible to call mobiles in Gaza cheaply, even when the internet is down, making it a vital communication tool for many Palestinians. Some of those affected suspect they were wrongly thought to have ties to Hamas, which Israel is fighting and is designated a terrorist organisation by many countries. However, Mr Hametto denies any such links, stating, “We are civilians with no political background who just wanted to check on our families.”
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft did not directly address whether suspected ties to Hamas were the reason for the account closures. A spokesperson stated, “Blocking in Skype can occur in response to suspected fraudulent activity,” without providing further details. They also said that Microsoft does not block calls or ban users based on calling region or destination.
More Accounts Affected
Salah Elsadi, living in the US, shared his experience of being locked out of his account and all associated services in April. “I’ve had this Hotmail for 15 years,” Mr Elsadi told the BBC. “They banned me for no reason, saying I have violated their terms – what terms? Tell me. I’ve filled out about 50 forms and called them many many times.”
Another Palestinian, Khalid Obaied, expressed his distrust of Microsoft after his account was banned. “I paid for a package to make phone calls – then, after 10 days, they ban me for no reason,” he said. “That means it’s only because I’m a Palestinian calling Gaza.”
