McDonald’s Faces Backlash in Arab Countries Over Support for Israeli Soldiers

In Israel, a McDonald’s franchise managed by the company Alonyal Limited is said to have distributed 12,000 meals to Israeli soldiers, as well as to hospitals hard hit by the surprise and spectacular attack by Hamas on October 7, reports the RTS.ch website. This has provoked the anger of the neighboring Arab countries. "Franchises in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and the Persian Gulf countries have issued statements distancing themselves from the actions of their Israeli counterparts," reports the Washington Post. Other franchises have also taken a stand. They have announced that they will make donations to the population of Gaza, after the strike on the hospital that killed hundreds. According to Al-Jazeera, a collective promise of more than three million dollars in aid for the enclave is being made.

In Malaysia, the franchise has "confirmed its contribution of one million ringgits" (EDITOR’S NOTE: about 200,000 euros) to a humanitarian fund for the Palestinian populations. "In addition to this donation, McDonald’s Malaysia also encourages its employees across the country to participate in fundraising efforts," it states. "We affirm our humanitarian sympathy for our brothers and sisters in Gaza and we make no compromise on our commitment to the highest principles and values that thrive in our community," reads the official McDonald’s Oman account. The franchise has announced a $100,000 donation to support "relief efforts for the Gaza population." In contrast, franchises like the one in the United Arab Emirates do not take sides. It has announced a donation of one million dirhams, or about 260,000 euros, to the country’s Red Crescent to help the people of Gaza.

On X, Internet users from Arab countries like Egypt have launched a boycott campaign of the restaurant chain through the hashtag #BoycottMcDonalds. Similarly, many restaurants were targeted in Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt last week, it is reported.