TOKYO: Japan’s Seven & i Holdings Co. closed all eight of its convenience stores in Israel by the end of July, according to informed sources.

The company is believed to have judged that it would be difficult to continue business there amid the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Seven & i opened its first convenience store in the country in January last year. Its Israeli stores sold sandwiches and salads, as well as foods that comply with Jewish dietary regulations.

A Seven & i public relations official said that the store closures do not mean that the company has withdrawn from Israel.

JIJI Press