Macdonalds boss says MENA sales are down due to Gaza bombing
Fast food giant McDonald’s’ CEO claimed that sales in the North African and Middle Eastern region have significantly dipped as a result of what pro-Palestinian activists perceive to be complicity with Israel’s war crimes by the franchise, reports Middle East Eye.
It is no surprise that the globe and more specifically the MENA region are watching in horror at what is happening in Gaza, where the latest death toll stands at around 23,000 since Israel’s increased pummeling of the densely populated enclave starting on October 7.
The humanitarian crisis has angered an already-strong pro-Palestinian region which has little to no time for the Israeli state as the country is increasingly being treated like a pariah around the world more generally.
READ: Einat Levi: what role for Morocco after Gaza war ends?
The American brand’s chief executive, Chris Kempczinski claimed that a rise in boycotts were due to “fake news” being peddled online about McDonalds’ stance towards Israel.
In a social media post on January 4, he said, “This is disheartening and ill-founded. In every country where we operate, including Muslim countries, McDonald’s is proudly represented by local owner operators who work tirelessly to serve and support their communities while employing thousands of their fellow citizens.
“Our hearts remain with the communities and families impacted by the war in the Middle East. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we will always proudly open our doors to everyone.”
READ:Puma ends sponsorship with Israel’s national football team
It was revealed that McDonald’s in Israel were handing out free food to soldiers at the beginning of the ruthless forces’ attack on Gaza.
BDS, a worldwide campaign group demanding a boycott, divestment and sanctions of Israeli goods as well as brands seen to be pro-Israel, have claimed that thecompany is making money out of “the genocide of the Palestinian people” as well as noting that boycotts against McDonald’s and other “pro-Israeli” businesses have risen on a global scale.
The movement commented, “Since apartheid Israel launched its genocide in Gaza almost three months ago, organic grassroots campaigns to boycott corporations that support this crime against humanity have grown worldwide.
“The campaign against McDonald’s is one such organic campaign that became popular when the brand’s Israel franchisee donated meals and beverages to Israeli military personnel committing the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and promoted this extremely provocative and racist form of complicity on their social media channels. The BDS movement, which did not launch this campaign, endorsed and encouraged it.”
The fast-food chain claimed in response to pressure from activists that they had no stance in favour of Gaza or Israel amidst the buoyant conflict.
Levantis.me
