In France, a human rights activist named Bernard Verla has initiated a campaign aimed at boycotting dates sourced from Israeli settlements situated in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The activist highlighted serious legal and commercial violations associated with the marketing of these dates, asserting that there is a deliberate suppression of information regarding the true origin of these products. According to a European legal text from 2015, producers and importers are mandated to explicitly indicate the source of the dates, which should denote that they are from the 'Occupied Palestinian Territories' rather than simply referring to them as 'settlements' or using the barcode number '729' that pertains to Israel.

Verla pointed out a stark contradiction in how European markets conduct business, particularly in relation to Muslim consumers. He noted that during the holy month of Ramadan, there is a commercial exploitation of the occasion to sell products that generate vast profits, while simultaneously, the ongoing crimes committed by the occupying forces against Palestinians continue unabated. He categorically described this exploitation as a "financing of genocide," an assertion that echoes statements made by the International Criminal Court regarding the severity of the situation.

Moreover, Verla's remarks shed light on the broader implications of the campaign, indicating that the proceeds from these dates contribute to funding the occupation and reinforcing systemic injustices against the Palestinian population. This marks an important moment for activism in France, illustrating the intersection between consumer choices and geopolitical issues, while urging individuals to reflect critically on where and how their purchases are sourced, particularly in relation to ethically contentious products.