McDonald’s, the American multinational fast-food chain, continued to face growing backlash amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with the social media trend ‘Boycott McDonald’s’ gaining momentum.
The renewed boycott call followed after the franchise’s United Kingdom unit, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, denied its support for “any governments involved in the Middle East crisis.” McDonald’s issued this statement in response to a remark made by a social media user who called for the company’s boycott and Palestine’s freedom on the McDonald’s feed.
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“We are dismayed by disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East. McDonald’s corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict. Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by the crisis. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we’ll always proudly open our doors to anyone.” the corporation posted.
However, pro-Palestine social media users were quick to point out the fast-food chain’s policy of providing free meals to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) since the outbreak of the war. These users indicated that by implementing such a move, McDonald’s has demonstrated support for Israel while the conflict continues in Gaza, leading to the death of over 23,000 Palestinians. Additionally, in the context of the Israel-Hamas war, Qatar and France have sent medicine for hostages in Gaza.
Notably, a week after the war broke out, McDonald’s Israel unit announced free subsidized meals for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and rescue forces in the wake of the conflict.
“Since the outbreak of the war, McDonald’s Israel has donated over one hundred thousand meals to the security forces, the residents of the Otaf and the hospitals, when 5 of the chain’s restaurants were opened for this purpose only. In addition, McDonald’s Israel gives a 50 per cent discount to all security and rescue forces that arrive independently at the branches,” the Israel unit posted on X on October 19.
By Thursday noon, nearly 45,000 posts flooded X, urging a boycott of the restaurant. Numerous demonstrators shared videos capturing ongoing protests outside McDonald’s outlets, expressing their solidarity with Palestine.
Significantly, in January, McDonald’s Malaysia initiated legal action against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement, seeking $1 million in damages. The lawsuit alleged the dissemination of “false and defamatory statements” targeting the restaurant. The BDS movement’s objective is to terminate global backing for Israel’s “oppression of Palestinians” and exert pressure on Israel to adhere to international law.
Numerous Western brands, including well-known names like Starbucks, Puma, and Hewlett Packard, are under scrutiny for their perceived “support for Israel.” Pro-Palestinian activists are actively promoting a boycott of these brands, aiming to draw increased attention to the plight of almost 2.3 million Palestinians who have lost their homes in the ongoing conflict.
