it was a franchise choice for that community. not to defend mcdonalds, but this happens, just not usually by genocidal groups.
“In regard to the news that McDonald’s in Israel was donating meals. We affirm that it was an individual decision on their part,” McDonald’s franchise in Saudi Arabia said in a statement. “Neither global McDonald’s nor us nor any other country had a role or relationship with that decision, neither directly nor indirectly.”
McDonald’s is a global chain but its franchises are often owned locally and operate autonomously.
McDonald’s Corp declined to comment but a source close to the company in the U.S. said the Israel franchise was an independent business that licensed McDonald’s brand. The source said it’s not unusual for franchisees to engage with their local communities when they are in need.