Microsoft cuts Israeli military’s access to some cloud computing, AI

Microsoft, a tech giant in the United States, has suspended some of the services it offers to the Israeli military over concerns that it is breaking its terms of service by using its cloud-based software to spy on Palestinians in order to spy on them, according to vice president and president Brad Smith.

In response to a joint investigation by The Guardian newspaper, + 972 Magazine, and Hebrew-language outlet Local Call on August 6, Smith wrote in a Thursday blog post that the company had “ceased and disabled a set of services” to a unit within the Israeli Ministry of Defence.

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The Israeli military’s Unit 8200 allegedly stored phone call data collected during extensive surveillance in Gaza and the occupied West Bank using Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform.

The elite cyber warfare unit of the Israeli military conducts clandestine operations, including gathering and monitoring signal intelligence. Unit 8200 is responsible for this.

Following a meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Unit 8200’s leader Yossi Sariel in 2021, according to the journalists’ investigation, they came to terms with moving significant amounts of sensitive intelligence into the company’s Azure platform.

Utilizing Azure’s near-limitless storage capacity and computing power, Unit 8200 could use the process, which has been in operation since 2022, to record, play back, and analyze the calls made by millions of Palestinians.

According to Unit 8200 sources, the cloud-based system also assisted Israel in guiding deadly airstrikes and shaping operations throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. Additionally, the report found that a significant portion of Palestinians’ data appeared to be being stored on Microsoft’s Azure servers in the Netherlands and Ireland.

Palestinian demonstrators march in support of Palestinians in Gaza near the US’s Seattle event in May 2024.

According to Smith, Microsoft’s Smith said the company had “two principles” in mind when it had evaluated the claims made in the report and that the Israeli military’s data storage had broken company rules.

First, we don’t offer any technology to make it possible for civilians to be subject to mass surveillance. He said, “We have insisted on this principle for more than 20 years, and we have applied it in every nation in the world.”

Second, Smith continued, “We respect and safeguard the privacy rights of our customers.”

Smith confirmed that some Israeli Defense Ministry subscriptions, including “specific cloud storage and AI services and technologies,” had been cancelled even though she did not name the specific Israeli unit that was losing access to Microsoft services.

Following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the start of the devastating Gaza war, the Israeli military’s use of Microsoft products increased, according to The Associated Press news agency in February.

Similar reports were made that the Israeli military regularly monitored surveillance using gigabytes of cloud storage and enormous amounts of AI-enabled language translation services, and that the AI systems were collaborating to determine who should be targeted for airstrikes.

Microsoft made it known in May that it had assisted in efforts to locate and rescue Israeli prisoners in the besieged enclave by selling cutting-edge AI and cloud computing products to the Israeli military during its occupation of Gaza.

However, the company claimed that an internal review revealed “no proof” that Azure was being used to target or harm people.

A second review, conducted by an outside law firm, was requested after the August news investigation.

Smith said that the investigation is ongoing, but it has already found proof that its products were being used in ways that were against its terms of service.

One of the more than a dozen Microsoft employees who was fired or detained because of protests against their involvement in the Gaza war, Hossam Nasr, praised the action as an “unprecedented win,” but added that the “vast majority of Microsoft’s contract with the Israeli military is still in place.

Star Trek icon William Shatner breaks silence with three-word health update

William Shatner, a Star Trek actor, has kept his fans informed of his condition since being taken to the hospital.

William Shatner has spoken out after it was reported the 94 year old was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday.

The 94-year-old Hollywood legend’s blood sugar levels are thought to have been the result of a medical emergency. The actor reportedly called 911 after fleeing his Los Angeles home yesterday, where paramedics transported him to a hospital.

A day later, William took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to tell fans “I’m perfectly fine.” The Hollywood star, who has already been met with an outpouring of online support since the health scare, wrote, “I over indulged. I thank you all for caring but I’m perfectly fine.”

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The actor also included a picture of himself from the Canadian television series Murdoch Mysteries’ “Marked Twain.” Following Elvis’ death at the end of four months of constipation, harrowing details of his autopsy were revealed.

Under photo his line read, “Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated!” This is a famous quote from American author Mark Twain which was his response after a newspaper report in 1897 claimed that he was dead or gravely ill, reports the Mirror US.

The beloved actor was taken to the hospital after a seemingly unresolved blood sugar issue at his Los Angeles residence, as a result of this update. He was examined and treated there by paramedics who transported him in an ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Although he didn’t go into great detail about his health issues, “blood sugar issues” could indicate either reduced blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) or elevated blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). The body doesn’t use or produce enough insulin to manage blood glucose levels, which causes both conditions.

Numerous admirers expressed their satisfaction and best wishes at the positive health update posted beneath William’s post. “Thank you Captain,” one follower said. The crew was concerned. Another supporter remarked, “Glad you’re okay, Bill.” I’m willing to wager that you will be at least 100 years old.

A third phrase was “I didn’t believe them.” You have not yet arrived for the big Academy Awards ceremony in the sky or whatever else.

Someone else made the statement, “Cent’anni!” as my Italian ancestors might put it. Happy to hear that you are all right, but I’ve always thought that’s a great way to describe you whenever you’re right. “Perfectly fine” is my motto.

William maintains that he is healthy, but he has experienced a number of medical issues, including having to battle the severe skin cancer stage 4 cancer.

Continue reading the article.

He later recovered from the illness with immunotherapy, which he revealed in 2024.

He’s also previously disclosed living with tinnitus – a buzzing in the ears – for more than 30 years after a deafening on-set blast during Star Trek production. This follows a tragic incident where a zookeeper was mauled by a lion for 15 minutes, with staff revealing why no one intervened.

Anxiety and uncertainty lingers as season looms

Picture agency for Huw Evans
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The four professional sides of Wales must now consider whether the 2025-26 season will be their last one as they prepare for a new campaign.

Welsh rugby’s crisis is not unusual, but the start of this season is even more concerning even by its own chaotic standards.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has suggested reducing Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets’ futures from four to two professional clubs, which would put them in danger.

The WRU’s “optimal choice” is to reduce the number of professional teams, which is one of four options being considered.

What data are gathered from this quiz?

The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) has warned the WRU that its recommendations for the elite game would “drive talent to leave Wales.”

Jac Morgan, the flanker for the Wales, British, and Irish Lions, has informed the WRU that he will leave the Ospreys’ professional domestic rugby team.

No definitive decision has been made, according to the governing body, which has been consulted by players, supporters, and stakeholders.

On the first day of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season, an open survey on Welsh rugby will close on Friday, with the official consultation process under way by the end of September.

By the end of October, just before Wales’ debut autumn international series under new head coach Steve Tandy, a final decision on the future of Welsh rugby is anticipated.

With uncertainty and anxiety affecting the new campaign’s preparations, the timing is unfortunate.

Jones’ “The what-ifs do infiltrate you”

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones encourages his squadPicture agency for Huw Evans

Ospreys will play their home games at the Brewery Field in Bridgend this year after making the decision to leave Swansea.com Stadium. Then, St Helen’s will become a permanent facility after the 2026-27 season is over.

The Bulls will host the Lions on Saturday in the first match of Mark Jones’ side’s campaign in South Africa.

According to Jones, “There is always a lot going on and one thing I’ve learned is that we have to deal with it typically when it’s something that’s very close to home.”

Your staff and players become more resilient as a result.

I can’t praise the group enough for separating the two, despite their efforts to stay focused on the job and exert control over our roles as rugby players and coaches. They have been outstanding.

Jones claims to have done everything in his power to assist the squad in overcoming the problems.

“I’ve tried to handle situations in an open and honest manner, not by passing on issues that need to be addressed,” he continued. “I try to give as much clarity as I can from what I know,” he continued.

Everyone deserves to know the truth, or at least as much of it, because being honest sometimes is not what you want to hear.

Scarlets have not attempted to conceal uncertainty.

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On Saturday, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel’s side will face Munster in Llanelli. His attitude is to take the off-field problems seriously.

You can’t hide from the game’s uncertainty, and we haven’t hid from it, said Peel.

Things are beyond our control as a result of the consultation, but we can only be as upfront and truthful with the information we have.

Because you can waste your time worrying about the uncertainty, we need the clarity of how we want to approach the season.

On Saturday, Scarlets fans will march before the game to show their support for the side’s future existence.

The main attraction of this club is that it is the heart of the neighborhood, and everything west of here is essentially Scarlets and the foundation on which it was built, added Peel.

Because it has always existed, I’m not surprised by the march, the feeling, and the love now.

They have always been there for this club in times of need, which is something I feel very strongly about.

Without the Scarlets, Peel claims, he can’t imagine Welsh rugby or the town of Llanelli.

He claimed that it has been a pivotal club and organization in this nation.

Never a dull day for Cardiff

Cardiff wing Josh Adams poses with fansPicture agency for Huw Evans

Many people believe that Cardiff’s survival is secure because it was taken over by the WRU in April after going into administration.

Abi Tierney, the WRU’s executive director, acknowledged that she could not imagine a Cardiff absence from professional rugby.

The Blue and Blacks are now buried in uncertainty ahead of the new season despite these assurances.

They have an interim chief executive, and plans to transfer them to private ownership are pending until after the consultation.

After Matt Sherratt left to join Steve Tandy’s Wales backroom staff, they will also begin the season against Lions this weekend.

Josh Adams, a wing for Cardiff and Wales, is familiar with the chaos off-field.

There is never a dull day, Adams said, “We’ve always got to deal with something.”

Nothing new about it. Although there are some disruptions, a year without them would be nice.

We understand that change must occur, and we understand that this is a crucial time.

We must not spend our energy thinking about other things.

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia talks to his players after defeatPicture agency for Huw Evans
The first Welsh team to face off against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night is the Dragons.

The club has spoken out against the proposed two-sided formation the most frequently in the region, saying that “Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”

Chair David Wright claims that the Dragons couldn’t possibly come to terms with the initial proposals because they “don’t add up.”

Ben Carter, the co-captain of Wales and Ben Carter, acknowledges the concern but praises his team’s dedication to the rugby, which he describes as “the number one priority.”

Filo Tiatia, his team’s coach, is in agreement.

The former All Black remarked, “We’ll leave it with our chairman and CEO and they’ll fight the battle” when it comes to the WRU.

“With the current circumstances and our knowledge, what we can concentrate on is how we proceed.”

Tiatia will only concentrate on the opening weekend, like the other coaches.

He continued, “We just have to concentrate on Ulster in front of us.”

related subjects

  • Dragons
  • Welsh Rugby
  • Scarlets
  • Ospreys
  • Wales Sport
  • Rugby Union

Anxiety and uncertainty lingers as season looms

Picture agency for Huw Evans
  • 1 Comments

The four professional sides of Wales must now consider whether the 2025-26 season will be their last one as they prepare for a new campaign.

Welsh rugby’s crisis is not unusual, but the start of this season is even more concerning even by its own chaotic standards.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has suggested reducing Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys, and Scarlets’ futures from four to two professional clubs, which would put them in danger.

The WRU’s “optimal choice” is to reduce the number of professional teams, which is one of four options being considered.

What data are gathered from this quiz?

The Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) has warned the WRU that its recommendations for the elite game would “drive talent to leave Wales.”

Jac Morgan, the flanker for the Wales, British, and Irish Lions, has informed the WRU that he will leave the Ospreys’ professional domestic rugby team.

No definitive decision has been made, according to the governing body, which has been consulted by players, supporters, and stakeholders.

On the first day of the United Rugby Championship (URC) season, an open survey on Welsh rugby will close on Friday, with the official consultation process under way by the end of September.

By the end of October, just before Wales’ debut autumn international series under new head coach Steve Tandy, a final decision on the future of Welsh rugby is anticipated.

With uncertainty and anxiety affecting the new campaign’s preparations, the timing is unfortunate.

Jones’ “The what-ifs do infiltrate you”

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones encourages his squadPicture agency for Huw Evans

Ospreys will play their home games at the Brewery Field in Bridgend this year after making the decision to leave Swansea.com Stadium. Then, St Helen’s will become a permanent facility after the 2026-27 season is over.

The Bulls will host the Lions on Saturday in the first match of Mark Jones’ side’s campaign in South Africa.

According to Jones, “There is always a lot going on and one thing I’ve learned is that we have to deal with it typically when it’s something that’s very close to home.”

Your staff and players become more resilient as a result.

I can’t praise the group enough for separating the two, despite their efforts to stay focused on the job and exert control over our roles as rugby players and coaches. They have been outstanding.

Jones claims to have done everything in his power to assist the squad in overcoming the problems.

“I’ve tried to handle situations in an open and honest manner, not by passing on issues that need to be addressed,” he continued. “I try to give as much clarity as I can from what I know,” he continued.

Everyone deserves to know the truth, or at least as much of it, because being honest sometimes is not what you want to hear.

Scarlets have not attempted to conceal uncertainty.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

On Saturday, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel’s side will face Munster in Llanelli. His attitude is to take the off-field problems seriously.

You can’t hide from the game’s uncertainty, and we haven’t hid from it, said Peel.

Things are beyond our control as a result of the consultation, but we can only be as upfront and truthful with the information we have.

Because you can waste your time worrying about the uncertainty, we need the clarity of how we want to approach the season.

On Saturday, Scarlets fans will march before the game to show their support for the side’s future existence.

The main attraction of this club is that it is the heart of the neighborhood, and everything west of here is essentially Scarlets and the foundation on which it was built, added Peel.

Because it has always existed, I’m not surprised by the march, the feeling, and the love now.

They have always been there for this club in times of need, which is something I feel very strongly about.

Without the Scarlets, Peel claims, he can’t imagine Welsh rugby or the town of Llanelli.

He claimed that it has been a pivotal club and organization in this nation.

Never a dull day for Cardiff

Cardiff wing Josh Adams poses with fansPicture agency for Huw Evans

Many people believe that Cardiff’s survival is secure because it was taken over by the WRU in April after going into administration.

Abi Tierney, the WRU’s executive director, acknowledged that she could not imagine a Cardiff absence from professional rugby.

The Blue and Blacks are now buried in uncertainty ahead of the new season despite these assurances.

They have an interim chief executive, and plans to transfer them to private ownership are pending until after the consultation.

After Matt Sherratt left to join Steve Tandy’s Wales backroom staff, they will also begin the season against Lions this weekend.

Josh Adams, a wing for Cardiff and Wales, is familiar with the chaos off-field.

There is never a dull day, Adams said, “We’ve always got to deal with something.”

Nothing new about it. Although there are some disruptions, a year without them would be nice.

We understand that change must occur, and we understand that this is a crucial time.

We must not spend our energy thinking about other things.

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia talks to his players after defeatPicture agency for Huw Evans
The first Welsh team to face off against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night is the Dragons.

The club has spoken out against the proposed two-sided formation the most frequently in the region, saying that “Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”

Chair David Wright claims that the Dragons couldn’t possibly come to terms with the initial proposals because they “don’t add up.”

Ben Carter, the co-captain of Wales and Ben Carter, acknowledges the concern but praises his team’s dedication to the rugby, which he describes as “the number one priority.”

Filo Tiatia, his team’s coach, is in agreement.

The former All Black remarked, “We’ll leave it with our chairman and CEO and they’ll fight the battle” when it comes to the WRU.

“With the current circumstances and our knowledge, what we can concentrate on is how we proceed.”

Tiatia will only concentrate on the opening weekend, like the other coaches.

He continued, “We just have to concentrate on Ulster in front of us.”

related subjects

  • Dragons
  • Welsh Rugby
  • Scarlets
  • Ospreys
  • Wales Sport
  • Rugby Union

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,310

On Friday, September 26, 2018, the situation is as follows:

Fighting

  • According to a Ukrainian intelligence source, Ukrainian naval drones struck Russian ports in Novorossiysk and Tuapse on Wednesday, causing the temporary suspension of Transneft’s oil terminals there.
  • After 22 Russian drones were spotted close to the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant’s perimeter, a drone was downed and detonated about 800 meters (some 0. 5 miles), according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
  • One of Russia’s largest nuclear plants, Kursk, was accused of being attacked by Ukraine, according to the Russian state news agency TASS.
  • According to a local official, the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv and nearby districts are experiencing significant power losses as a result of a Russian attack that affected roughly 30 000 customers.
On September 24, 2025, Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City.

Regional security

  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz demanded that NATO use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend itself in response to repeated airspace violations by Russia.
  • Donald Trump’s assertion that NATO member nations should shoot down Russian drones and aircraft if they enter their airspace has been supported by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
  • Ionut Mosteanu, the head of Romania’s top defense council, reaffirmed that manned and unmanned aircraft must respond to provocations “firmly but proportionally” and that European nations must “reappoint a clear chain of command” in the event of airspace breaches.
  • In response to the Russian-dominated Baltic nation’s growing military might as European nations compete to strengthen their defense capacities in the wake of Moscow’s war on Ukraine, German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall intends to construct a new ammunition factory in Latvia.

diplomacy and politics

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, stated on the Axios news site that he would be willing to step down from his position once the conflict with Russia is over.
  • Trump, speaking from the White House on Thursday during a meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, claimed that NATO’s relationship with the US was the strongest it has ever been.
  • Viktor Orban, the prime minister of Hungary, contacted Trump to discuss energy security in Central Europe, explaining to the US president that Russian gas and oil imports cannot guarantee Hungary’s energy supply.

Peace talks

  • Moscow assumed the Trump administration still had the political will to end the conflict with Ukraine, according to Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Kremlin, and that Russia was prepared to start peace negotiations.
  • Trump abruptly changed his tone and said he believed Kyiv could regain all of its land, which Peskov made just days later.

Today’s horoscope for September 26 as Libra enjoys financial success

One star sign’s focus on their own health are highlighted in today’s horoscope for Friday, September 26. Another worries about money.

One star sign indicates that someone is taking advantage of another, which initiates some modifications.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Today’s climate is not conducive to launching new initiatives, negotiating deals, or making expensive purchases. You may be reminded to take into account the financial ramifications of anything you do by a friend or coworker who is more practical and cautious. You must consent to a later agreement to hold off any money transactions.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

Consider the potential outcomes before accepting more responsibility or agreeing to deal with urgent matters. Do you have enough to handle all of these extra commitments, or do you already have enough on your plate? It might be wiser to suggest that someone else take on these tasks if you have even the slightest doubt about it.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

You have the ability to effect some long-awaited changes. Because you have been planning this for a while and you are doing it, ignore anyone who accuses you of acting on impulse. You will demonstrate that change can be beneficial when well thought out.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

Are you taking advantage of your kindness by lending money to a friend or coworker even though it may not seem like a big hassle? Someone who approaches you for assistance may not always be as kind as they are now. They might later reject your assistance.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

When it comes to your financial situation, knowledge is a form of power. Look into potential business opportunities in the fields of banking, mortgages, loans, and property. There will also be a lot of attention to insurance and inheritance issues. Gather the necessary data before acting.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

Have you ever given your own well-being any consideration, despite your best efforts to address your family’s health needs? Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet to make mealtime rituals more peaceful, as opposed to grabbing a quick snack every few moments.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You ought to experience some financial and business success. You have always had original ideas. Use this in your day-to-day activities. You can benefit from having a fresh perspective on a work environment. More will be desired by those in power.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

You don’t seem to be overly enthusiastic about the tasks you currently have to complete. With your closed eyes, you could do some things. Therefore, success is achieved without exerting a lot of effort. You can dedicate the entire evening to a loved one because tasks will be finished quickly.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Your personal details are being made public. You were disappointed by someone you trusted. You’d never have anticipated them to be so deceitful, so you’ll come to regret it quite a bit. You’ll have to be much more cautious with your words and who you say it to in the future.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

You will get accurate responses to your queries. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your future dreams when you hang out with friends. Someone with a lot of experience will guide you in the right direction. Don’t take any action without taking into account all options, even that.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Despite some disappointing news, you continue to be optimistic. There have been hints that soon there will be a salary increase. Your superiors will announce your pay increase today, but it will be later than expected.

Continue reading the article.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Your typical day will completely be completely ruined by one unanticipated phone call or text message. You won’t be surprised by anything that is happening. There is nothing you can do about it despite the fact that it isn’t what you expected or wanted. Whether or not you want these modifications to occur will be.

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