Goal and Google They gave up attending the Web Summit, one of the largest technology events, after its organizer criticized Israel’s retaliation after the attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, both companies reported on Friday.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the firm will not participate in the event, while Google told the Irish Independent newspaper that it would not send representatives to Lisbon, Portugal, where the summit will be held.
The Irish businessman Paddy Cosgraveco-founder of Web Summit, wrote last week on X, formerly Twitter, that he was “shocked by the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders and governments”.
“War crimes are war crimes even if committed by allies, and they must be denounced for what they are“, wrote Cosgrave on October 13.
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On October 7, Israel was the victim of an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas. More than 1,400 people – most of them civilians – have died in Israel since the attack, the deadliest since the creation of the State of Israel.
Israeli retaliatory strikes have killed more than 4,100 people, most of them Palestinian civilians, including hundreds of children, according to local authorities.
The boycott of Meta and Google joins that of various companies and personalities, such as Intel, SiemensAmerican comedian Amy Poehler and the X-Files actress Gillian Anderson.
The Web Summit will host some 2,300 startups and more than 70,000 people from November 13 to 16 in Lisbon.
Gary Tanfrom the company Y-Combinatorbegan the boycott, which was quickly followed by other big names in the sector.
Cosgrave He apologized on Tuesday.
“I understand that what I said, the timing of it, and the way it was presented have caused deep pain to many. To anyone who has been hurt by my words, I deeply apologize.“, said.
Cosgrave He said that he condemnswithout reservations” the attack “evil, disgusting and monstrous“of Hamas against Israel and supports”unequivocally” he “right to exist and defend oneself” From Israel.
He also said that Israel must adhere to the Geneva Conventions, “that is, do not commit war crimes”.
Source: Gestion
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