Several tech giants withdraw from Websummit over Paddy Cosgrave's Israel-Hamas remarks

Several tech giants have pulled out of Web Summit following remarks from Irish CEO Paddy Cosgrave, who criticized Western support for Israel following the Hamas attacks two weeks ago. 

Google, Meta, and Amazon have said that they will no longer be taking part in the event in Lisbon next month.

Meanwhile, financial services company Stripe, which is co-owned by Irish brothers Patrick and John Collison, has also pulled out of Websummit, according to the Business Post. 

Earlier on Friday, Intel and Siemens pulled out of the technology conference due to Cosgrave's remarks. 

In a post on X. formerly known as Twitter, last week, Cosgrave said he was "shocked" by the "rhetoric and actions of many Western leaders" and praised the Irish Government "who for once are doing the right thing". 

"War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are," Cosgrave said in the post. 

The post was met with strong responses from several high-ranking figures in the tech industry. 

Israeli Ambassador to Portugal Dor Shapira described Cosgrave's comments as "outrageous statements" and called on companies to pull out of the upcoming Web Summit in Lisbon. 

A number of Google speakers were due to take part in the conference and the company was due to have a stand at the event. 

However, a Google spokesperson said on Friday the company will "no longer have a presence at Web Summit". 

German engineering and manufacturing company Siemens had been listed as one of main sponsors at next month's Web Summit, but the company said in a statement that it had "reviewed the situation" and will no longer be taking part in the conference, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. 

Comedian Amy Poehler and actress Jillian Anderson have also pulled out of the event, while several tech executives based in Israel will no longer be attending. 

Cosgrave apologized for his remarks, stating that the timing of the remarks had caused "profound" hurt for many people. 

"I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologize deeply," Cosgrave said in a statement. 

Cosgrave has since said that he supports Israel's right to defend itself and condemned the "evil, disgusting, and monstrous" Hamas attack. 

Founded in Cosgrave in 2009, Web Summit was initially held in Dublin before moving to Portugal in 2015.