(Daily Point) — Global fast-food giant McDonald’s has acknowledged a substantial business impact resulting from boycotts related to Israel’s siege of Gaza. CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed disappointment at the misinformation causing these effects, emphasizing that McDonald’s, including its operations in Muslim countries, is represented by local owner-operators committed to serving and supporting their communities.

Approximately 5% of McDonald’s 40,000 outlets worldwide are located in the Middle East. Calls for a boycott gained momentum after McDonald’s Israel announced free meals for the Israeli Defence Force, prompting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to officially call for a boycott of the fast-food company due to its support for Israel.

While local franchises globally are independently owned, proponents argue that they contribute to the global company, indirectly linked to its Israel franchise. The backlash extended to Pakistan, where McDonald’s clarified its lack of connection to Israel and denounced violence.

This admission follows a similar statement from Starbucks, reporting vandalism and threats at its outlets. Starbucks is currently involved in a conflict after suing the Workers United union for allegedly expressing support for violence by Hamas in a social media statement.