Thousands of meals were reportedly supplied to IDF soldiers and hospitals by the McDonald’s Israel franchise. Arab McDonald’s businesses have responded by donating over $1 million to Gaza.
“Update that already yesterday we donated 4000 meals to hospitals and military units, we intend to donate thousands of meals every day to soldiers in the field and in drafting areas, and this is beyond a discount to soldiers coming to restaurants,” reads a translation of a statement by McDonald’s Israel. “We opened 5 restaurants that were open only for this purpose.”
According to Business Insider, McDonald’s Israel announced on social media that it has contributed over 12,000 meals and is offering a 50% discount to military and security forces. McDonald’s Israel’s Instagram account is now private.
Following boycott calls, other fast-food outlets distanced themselves from the Israeli corporation and donated to Gaza. Some franchises translated their comments into English.
McDonald’s Oman made a statement declaring a $100,000 donation to Gaza.
“What the licensee in Israel did was an individual and private act, and not with the approval or direction the international company or any other licensee, especially in our Arab world,” McDonald’s Oman statement reads.
“We ask God Almighty to protect our beloved country and all Arab and Muslim countries from all the evil and hate,” the statement by McDonald’s Oman concludes.
McDonald’s Turkey released a statement in Turkish emphasizing its independence from the Israeli franchise and announcing a $1 million donation to Gaza.
McDonald’s Kuwait contributed $250,000 to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society in support of Gaza aid operations.
“We . . . announce that we stand with our brothers and sisters in Palestine, especially in Gaza, and we reject any and all claims questioning our Arab or our Kuwaiti identity,” the Kuwait franchise wrote in English.
McDonald’s UAE said it is “deeply saddened by the events” and will donate AED 1 million ($272,000) to the Emirates Red Crescent for the “Tarahum for Gaza” initiative.
According to Arab News, McDonald’s Saudi Arabia donated SR 2 million ($533,000) to Gaza humanitarian operations. According to Doha News, McDonald’s Qatar donated QAR 1 million ($274,000) to Gaza humanitarian efforts. According to BNN News, McDonald’s Bahrain contributed $100,000 to Gaza.
McDonald’s Pakistan issued a statement in which it confirmed that it is a “separate entity” from the “locally-owned Israelian enterprise.” It made no mention of a gift.
According to Reuters, the dead toll in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank has risen to 2,383 since October 7, with over 10,000 people injured. In Israel, over 1,300 individuals have perished, including 27 Americans.