Western Reader
McDonald’s has attracted controversy due to its recent actions.
The fast food chain shared on its Instagram story that it had been donating “tens of thousands of meals” across Israel in the past few days. However, this act of goodwill has faced widespread criticism and calls for boycotts.
The donations were made to hospitals and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops during the ongoing conflict with Hamas. McDonald’s Israeli franchise made the announcement on Instagram.
According to the franchise’s post, McDonald’s donated and continues to donate meals to IDF units, police, hospitals, residents around the Strip, and all rescue forces. They also offered a 50% discount to visiting soldiers and security forces at their branches.
Boycott #McDonalds pic.twitter.com/dbpLyXCAoz
— Muhammad Raza (@toxicgaming7696) October 14, 2023
However, this show of support for Israeli troops has received significant backlash. Many social media users expressed their disapproval on various platforms.
Some highlighted the suffering of people in Gaza who lack electricity and water while Israeli soldiers receive free meals from McDonald’s. Others labeled it a “gross act” and expressed disappointment with the company.
In response to the criticism, McDonald’s Pakistan released a statement distancing itself from its branch and operations in Israel. The statement clarified that McDonald’s in Pakistan is a separate local enterprise, owned and operated by SIZA Foods Pvt. Ltd., unaffiliated with McDonald’s operations in Israel.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian groups reportedly attacked a McDonald’s outlet in Sidon, Lebanon following the announcement in support of the Israeli army. McDonald’s Lebanon stated that the position of franchisees in other countries does not represent the views or positions of McDonald’s Lebanon.
Palestinian Media Outlets Now Campaigning For A Boycott Of These 👇 Brands (McDonalds, KFC, Coca-Cola, For Their Support For Israel. pic.twitter.com/V2QGuPZ5S0
— JC Winner (@okoye_winn49968) October 17, 2023
Moreover, McDonald’s franchises in Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, and Turkey have issued statements in support of Gaza.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant loss of life and property. According to reports, since the conflict began on October 7, at least 2,215 Palestinians, including 724 children, have been killed in Gaza, as reported by Hamas officials.
Israeli officials state that at least 1,300 people have been killed in Israel during the same period, with the majority of deaths occurring in Hamas’s attack last week. Given the volatile situation, the actions of corporations like McDonald’s can have far-reaching consequences.
This article appeared in FreshOffThePress and has been published here with permission.
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