Western Brands Face Boycotts in Arab Countries Over Gaza Conflict

Branches of major Western brands, such as McDonald’s and Starbucks, are experiencing a sharp drop in attendance. These companies, some of which are accused of supporting Israel or having financial ties with the country, are facing significant popular reaction, according to Reuters.

In Egypt, an influential Arab country, and in Jordan, the calls for boycott seem to be gaining momentum. Although these countries have signed peace agreements with Israel, there is still a gap between political agreements and popular sentiment. The recent Israeli military operation, deemed more destructive than previous ones, has exacerbated tensions, leading to a humanitarian crisis and the death of many civilians.

An anonymous McDonald’s employee in Egypt indicates a 70% drop in sales in October and November compared to the previous year. However, the effectiveness of the boycotts varies by country. In Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia, the impact seems less pronounced.

In Morocco, companies accused of supporting Israel are also affected. This is the case with McDonald’s, which has been forced to launch an aggressive communication campaign, particularly among young people, to show its "Moroccanness" and to affirm that it has never supported Israel.

Meanwhile, similar initiatives are emerging in Turkey and Mexico. In Turkey, protesters have targeted Western companies supporting Israel, and the National Assembly has even removed some products from its restaurants. In Mexico, the Committee for the Liberation of Palestine has called for a boycott of Mexican companies trading with Israel, including Cemex, accused of providing cement for the construction of the wall in the West Bank.