Israeli dates available in Karachi supermarkets?

As dates gain popularity during Ramadan for their traditional and nutritional significance, Muslims worldwide are boycotting Israeli dates and carefully checking product labels before purchasing.

Social activist Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr highlighted that he came across Israeli Medjool dates in Karachi’s supermarkets during Ramadan.

Although Medjool dates originate from Morocco, they are also cultivated in Palestine, Jordan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. However, Israel remains the major exporter of this particular variety.

Read: Global boycott of Israeli dates gains momentum

Taking to X, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr urged people to verify the brand and country of origin before purchasing dates to avoid inadvertently buying Israeli products.

Pro-Palestinian supporters are urging Muslims to be cautious when purchasing Israeli dates, which are increasingly sold during the holy month of Ramazan. Boycott advocates emphasise the importance of checking the barcode on date packets to avoid buying products from Israeli companies.

Dates hold special significance during Ramazan, as it is a prophetic tradition for Muslims to break their fast with dates and water.

The ongoing boycott of pro-Israel brands and companies continues as Israel's occupation persists, with many observing that Israeli dates are still available in the market.

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Dates with barcodes starting with 729 are linked to Israel, and consumers are encouraged to verify the country of origin listed on the packaging.

Another way to ensure the boycott is upheld is to check if the packets have been repackaged to conceal the original brand.

Israeli dates are produced on settlements built on Palestinian land, and purchasing from such companies indirectly supports Israeli incursions into Palestinian territories.