Gaza protests in Algeria follow opening of KFC branch

Protesters gathered in Algerian capital, Algiers, following the opening of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) branch in the north African country, with demonstrators condemning the American fast-food giant's alleged ties to Israel. 

Protestors, numbering in the dozens, called for a boycott of KFC and other products they claimed were supporting Israel. They demanded authorities shut down the branch. Videos posted online showed police using tear gas to break up the protest in Dali Ibrahim Square. 

The opening of KFC in Algeria sparked outrage on social media, coinciding with a boycott campaign targeting the Israeli military action in Gaza. KFC, a subsidiary of Yum Brands, has faced worldwide boycotts over its alleged support for Israel, alongside other brands like McDonalds, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and Zara. The boycott movement has gained momentum in Muslim-majority countries and the Middle East and North Africa, damaging companies' sales.

One of the worst affected has been McDonalds which recently announced financial losses of around $7 billion, prompting the American company to buy back all its 25 franchise restaurants in Israel.

Protests erupted in Algeria's capital, Algiers, following the opening of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) branch in the country, adding fuel to a boycott campaign against brands supporting the Israeli occupation during the Gaza conflict. Demonstrators, numbering in the dozens, voiced their opposition to the American fast-food giant's ties to Israel in a rally at Dali Ibrahim Square. They demanded the closure of the KFC branch and called for a broader boycott of products associated with the Israeli occupation. Videos circulating online depicted police dispersing the protesters with tear gas. The timing of KFC's debut in Algeria amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict fueled outrage on social media, with users denouncing the move as contradictory to national values. KFC, a subsidiary of Yum Brands, joins a list of boycotted brands, including McDonald's, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola, due to their perceived support for the Israeli occupation. The boycott movement, resonating particularly in Muslim-majority regions like the Middle East and North Africa, continues to gain momentum globally, affecting sales and prompting strategic responses from targeted companies.