Franchisee FamilyMart Malaysia said it was informed by FamilyMart Co Ltd that Itochu Aviation, a subsidiary of Itochu Corporation, decided to end the MoU with Elbit Systems.

It added that this was in support of the Japanese government’s backing of the recent International Court of Justice ruling preventing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip. The MoU with Elbit Systems also involved Nippon Aircraft Supply.

Itochu Corporation acquired a major stake in FamilyMart Co Ltd in 2020.

“FamilyMart Malaysia reiterates our stand that we do not support the violence or killing (in Gaza). FamilyMart Malaysia does not contribute to or donate to, or deal with Israel,” the company, managed by QL Resources Bhd, said in a statement.

Social media users here had called for Malaysians to boycott FamilyMart after learning of the company’s ties with the Israeli company.

Last month, the ICJ said Israel must prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid into the territory.

The United Nations’ top court also urged Israel to refrain from any possible genocidal acts, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

At least 26,000 Palestinians, a majority of whom are women, young children, and adolescents, have been killed in the Gaza Strip in Israeli bombardments and ground offensive in retaliation to the Oct 7 Hamas attack.

Japan said on Jan 27 it supported the ICJ ruling.