DayofPal—Israeli dates, including those grown in settlements in the occupied West Bank, are reportedly being sold in European markets under labels that obscure their true origin.
Palestinian officials warn that some of these products, including dates cultivated on confiscated land in Jericho, are marketed as local or rebranded through third countries, making it difficult for consumers to identify their source.
The issue has gained attention amid growing boycott campaigns and increased demand for transparency in supply chains.
Industry observers say some exporters may route products through intermediary countries or repackage them in free trade zones to bypass scrutiny and avoid clear settlement labeling.
Although Israel is not the largest date producer globally, it is a major exporter of premium Medjool varieties.
However, discrepancies between production figures within Israel’s recognized borders and total export volumes have raised questions about whether a significant share originates from West Bank settlements, which are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
Under a 2019 ruling by the European Court of Justice, products from Israeli settlements must be clearly labeled and cannot simply be marked as “Made in Israel.”
Critics argue that enforcement gaps allow misleading practices to persist, particularly during peak demand periods such as Ramadan.
As boycott campaigns expand across Europe, some retailers have reassessed their sourcing policies, increasing pressure on Israel’s agricultural export sector.
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