RIYADH, Oct 17 (Reuters) – McDonald’s franchises in some Muslim countries disavowed a move by the company’s Israeli restaurants to give free meals to the Israeli military, highlighting the polarized regional politics that global corporations navigate during war.
McDonald’s Israel said on its social media accounts last week that it has given thousands of free meals to Israel Defense Forces personnel.
On Sunday, the franchise stated again that it was donating meals, “to all those who are involved in the defence of the state, hospitals, and surrounding areas.”
Around 1,300 Israelis were killed by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct. 7. Israeli bombardments have since killed about 3,000 people in Gaza.
McDonald’s Israel is owned by Alonyal Ltd, according to a company statement. Further information about the company was not available.
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McDonald’s franchisees in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Turkey issued statements disassociating themselves from the Israeli franchise and in most cases pledging aid to Gaza …
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McDonald’s Faces Boycott for Giving Israeli Soldiers Free Food