McDonald’s has reported its first decline in global sales since the Covid-19 pandemic, largely due to a boycott campaign initiated by Muslims and pro-Palestine campaigners amidst the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The US fast food giant saw a one per cent drop in worldwide sales in the second quarter, attributing the decline to reduced demand in international markets, particularly in France, which has a significant Muslim population.

“France is one of the markets that has a higher Muslim population,” said CEO Chris Kempczinski on Monday. “The impact we’re seeing in France has been more significant because of that population.”