'Blood dates': How 'Israeli' exporters use identity theft to bypass global boycotts

• Investigations reveal 75% of exported dates come from illegal settlements, rebranded to bypass consumer boycotts.
• Activists launch AI tools, global protests, and a major social media campaign to expose “laundered” dates.

As the Muslim world prepares for Ramadan, a detailed investigation shows ‘Israeli’ settlement exporters launching their most aggressive “rebranding” campaign yet to bypass near-total consumer boycotts in major markets.

Read more: ‘Israeli’ forces escalate attacks in Gaza on first day of Ramadan

New 2026 data from industry watchdogs, the BDS Movement, and 5Pillars shows that while ‘Israel’ proper (Arava Valley) produces around 8,800 tons of dates annually, exports exceed 35,000 tons. Experts allege that roughly 26,000 tons, or 75%, originate from illegal settlements in the occupied Jordan Valley, raising major ethical and legal concerns.

The "Laundering" methods

Investigators detail multiple sophisticated techniques used to disguise settlement origin:

• Middleman hubs: Dates are shipped to transit points like the Netherlands, Morocco, and UAE. In free zones, they are repackaged as generic produce or labeled “Mediterranean Produce” or “Product of [Transit Country]” before being re-exported.
• Hijacked identity: Packaging mimics Palestinian heritage, with Arabic calligraphy, crescent moons, or “Packed in Palestine” labels despite coming from settlements.
• Barcode camouflage: Non-729 barcodes and European or international GTIN registration are used to evade boycott detection apps.
• Double labeling and batch mixing: Some exporters mix 20% authentic Palestinian dates with 80% settlement dates to pass customs inspections.
• Water source manipulation: Settlement dates often use treated sewage water, whereas authentic Palestinian dates rely on natural spring or well water.
• Holy Land branding: Marketing uses names like “Holy Land Dates” or “Jericho’s Finest” with mosques or old maps to exploit religious connections during Ramadan.
• Identity theft via certificates: Settlement dates are sold to intermediaries who use Palestinian business licenses to create fake “Certificates of Origin.”
  

Blacklist of high-risk brands in 2026

Consumers are urged to avoid the following brands, confirmed or suspected to be sourced from Hadiklaim or Mehadrin:

• Jordan River / Jordan River Bio-Top
• King Solomon
• MyJool
• Urban Fresh
• Bonbonierra
• Red Sea
• Royal Treasure

Verified Palestinian producers include Zaytoun, Yaffa, Palestine Gardens (Sinokrot), and PRCS-supported farms.

Global resistance and activism

Activists have escalated their efforts to include digital tools, street protests, and legal measures:

• Check the Label 2026: AI-driven apps scan lot numbers and packaging patterns rather than barcodes to detect settlement origin.
• Wholesale blockades: February 15–18, 2026, protests in London, Munich, and Lille pressured distributors to disclose exact farm coordinates.
• Retailer retraction: UK Co-op and Belgian supermarkets halted ‘Israeli’-linked dates over unverifiable supply chains.
• Legal action: Madrid criminal complaint filed February 17 against multinational platforms for “laundering” profits from settlements. French authorities enforced laws requiring explicit “Settlement Origin” labeling.

"Don’t Break Your Fast with Genocide"

In addition, the 2026 campaign Don’t Break Your Fast with Genocide is trending across social media platforms. It urges Muslims worldwide to boycott dates sourced from ‘Israeli’ settlements during Ramadan and share guides to identify authentic Palestinian dates. The campaign combines educational posts, short videos, and interactive apps to help consumers verify origins and avoid settlement products.

Read more: ‘Israeli’ authorities block Ramadan preparations in Aqsa Mosque

The exposure of these laundering practices highlights the intersection of politics, ethics, and commerce. While the campaign aims to support the Palestinian economy and inform consumers, it also places ‘Israeli’ agricultural exporters under severe strain, particularly amid ongoing Gaza conflict-related disruptions.

The 2026 boycott movement, legal actions, and social media campaigns are expected to shape the global date market for Ramadan, increasing scrutiny of labeling practices and strengthening consumer activism worldwide.