Retailers Temporarily Close in Israel
● Businesses across several sectors are suspending operations in the wake of the war that broke out Saturday.
Spanish fashion giant Inditex has joined the growing list of international businesses temporarily shutting down operations in Israel because of the war.
Israel declared war on Hamas Saturday, after Hamas terrorists that morning massacred approximately 1,000 people in southern areas of the country, including hundreds attending a music fair, took scores of hostages and launched massive missile bombardments. Israel was caught by surprise and responded by dispatching 300,000 reservists, building a huge military presence along the border of the Gaza Strip for a possible incursion, and firing missiles back into the Gaza Strip, killing hundreds of people. Israel is cutting off food and fuel supplies to Gaza.
Officials at Zara could not be reached Tuesday afternoon, but the safety of workers would be of paramount concern. There are also obvious concerns over property losses, too.
Others businesses besides Zara announcing temporary shutdowns due to the war include Swedish retailers Hennes Mauritz, also known as H&M, and Ikea, the home furnishings chain, according to media reports.
Over the weekend, major airlines including Delta and United suspended flights to Israel. Reuters reported that El Al is increasing flights to bring reservists to the war zone and that Carnival Cruises is rerouting ships.
On Tuesday, Fashion Network reported that the 84 franchise stores in Israel operating under the Zara and Bershka brands owned by Inditex were closed due to the war. Inditex also operates e- commerce in Israel.
President Biden, with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken by his side, gave a passionate speech Tuesday reiterating his statement over the weekend that the U. S. stands with Israel. He said the "vicious attacks" by Hamas led to 1,000 Israeli and at least 14 American deaths. He also said that Americans are among the hostages, though it is not yet known how many were taken. He said the U.S. will help Israel in its efforts to rescue the hostages. The U. S. is also expected to provide military aid and military intelligence to Israel.
A year ago, Zara in the Middle East made news after Palestinians began boycotting Zara and were seen burning its clothes after the franchise holder for Zara's Israeli stores hosted a rightwing member of the Israeli Parliament at his home.