The Council of Ulema (scholars of theology) of Indonesia has issued a ban on local Muslims purchasing and consuming dates grown in Israel, as reported by The Jakarta Post. This decision comes in response to the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip.
"If you see Israeli dates on the shelves, please do not buy them," an unnamed representative of the council was quoted as saying. The representative also highlighted that the ban is part of the council's efforts to support the people of Palestine.
On January 24, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi addressed the UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East situation, calling for an immediate cessation of all arms deliveries to Israel and for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.
The Middle East situation escalated significantly following the infiltration of Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. They claimed the attack was a response to Israeli authorities' actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. In response, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza and launched strikes on the Strip, parts of Lebanon, and Syria, followed by a ground operation in the enclave. Clashes are also ongoing in the West Bank.
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Based on materials from TASS