By Khabar Rojana 
Recent reports indicate that Israel employed artificial intelligence (AI) systems, notably “Gospel” and “Lavender,” during its military operations in Gaza. These AI tools were designed to rapidly identify potential targets, with “Lavender” reportedly listing approximately 37,000 individuals linked to Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad. While these systems aimed to enhance operational efficiency, concerns have emerged regarding their accuracy and the potential for civilian casualties.
Microsoft has acknowledged providing AI and cloud services to the Israeli military, primarily to assist in locating hostages. However, the company asserts that there is no evidence its technologies were used to harm civilians in Gaza. This stance follows internal reviews and external audits, though critics argue that the lack of transparency and oversight in the deployment of such technologies remains problematic.
The integration of AI into military operations underscores the evolving nature of warfare and the pressing need for international regulations to govern the use of autonomous systems. As nations convene to discuss the implications of AI in conflict zones, the balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility remains a focal point of global discourse.
| AI System | Functionality | Reported Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Gospel | Identifies physical targets such as buildings and equipment | Potential misidentification leading to civilian harm |
| Lavender | Compiles lists of individuals linked to militant groups | High volume of targets with questions about accuracy |
The deployment of AI in military contexts, as observed in the Gaza conflict, highlights the transformative impact of technology on modern warfare. While these tools offer enhanced capabilities, they also introduce complex ethical and legal challenges that the international community must address proactively.
Raveena Kumari