Some Arabs boycott Western brands over Gaza war

Branches of Western fast-food chains, like McDonald’s, have been boycotted in Egypt, Jordan and other Arab states, including Kuwait and Morocco, since October 7.

Some of the companies the campaign targets are perceived to have taken pro-Israeli stances, and some are alleged to have financial ties to Israel or investments there.

As the campaign has started to spread, boycott calls circulated on social media have expanded to list dozens of companies and products, prompting shoppers to shift to local alternatives.

Some campaigners have singled out Starbucks for suing its workers’ union over a post on the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as McDonald’s after its Israeli franchise said it gave free meals to Israeli military personnel.