Web Summit head resigns after backlash over Israeli comments about 'war crimes'

Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave has apologized for his comments. Photo: AP Photo/Armando Franca

The chief executive of Europe's largest technology conference has quit after backlash over his comments that Israel was committing war crimes.

Paddy Cosgrave says he is stepping down as chief executive Web Summit because his comments «were a distraction from the event and our team, our sponsors, our startups and our attendees.»

His resignation came less than a month before the scheduled event, which draws 70,000 to Lisbon annually Human.

It follows several key participants walked out of the event in response to Mr Cosgrave's comments. Google, Facebook owner Meta and Intel have pulled out in recent days.

Mr Cosgrave said in a Twitter post on October 13 that he was «shocked by the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders and EU member states » governments, with the exception, in particular, of the Irish Government, which is doing the right thing for once.»

«War crimes are war crimes, even if committed by the Allies, and should be recognized for what they are.

Two days later, he updated his tweet, writing: “What Hamas did is outrageous and disgusting,” but adding: “Israel has the right to defend itself, but as I said, it has no right to defend itself.” right to break international law.»

In a later apology, which was published on the Web Summit blog and posted on his Twitter account, Mr Cosgrave said: «Compassion is needed at this time and I have not conveyed this. My goal is and always has been to strive for peace.”

He went on to say: “I also believe that in defending itself, Israel must adhere to international law and the Geneva Conventions — that is, not commit itself to war crimes. This belief applies equally to any state in any war. No country should break these laws, even if atrocities have been committed against it.»

His last Twitter post read: «Bye bye. We need to take a break from this platform.”

A Web Summit spokesman said he would appoint a new executive director and said the conference would be held next month in Lisbon as planned, from November 13 to 16.

Mr Cosgrave said: “I once again sincerely apologize for any harm I have caused.”

Irish entrepreneur Mr Cosgrave was the co-founder of Web Summit, which has its roots in the one-day event. in 2009 he held a conference in Dublin. It has grown to become the largest technology conference in Europe, with additional events in Canada, Brazil, Qatar and Hong Kong.