McDonald’s Pakistan has announced that it has donated Rs10m through the Edhi Foundation to Gaza victims, as several artists and Jews call for an immediate ceasefire amid the Israel-Hamas war.

“In these trying times, our hearts go out those affected by this tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the American fast food chain’s Pakistan chapter said in a statement. “Understanding the immense challenges they are facing, McDonald’s Pakistan, under SIZA Foods (Pvt) Ltd’s operations is stepping forward to help.

The statement comes a day after the hashtag Boycott Mcdonald was trending on social media around the world last week. In an Instagram post, the burger giant’s Israel chain made the announcement of sending free meals to Israeli soldiers along with pictures on their official Israel branch Instagram handle.

It also issued a clarification, saying that the American fast food chain here was not affiliated with the one operating in Israel

The fast food chain expressed hope that the funds would bolster relief efforts and bring some solace to those affected.

At least 3,785 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israel began bombarding the coastal enclave, the health ministry in Palestine said on Thursday. Some 1,524 children and 1,000 women are among those killed in the relentless Israeli air strikes, the ministry said, adding another 12,493 people have been injured.

It emphasised that McDonald’s Pakistan was wholly Pakistani entity. “We reject any claims questioning our Pakistani identity and remain committed to our nation and its people,” said the statement.