Will Banning Israeli Products Help?

An unprecedented attack on Hamas by Israel on October 7 and the resulting escalating siege of Gaza has led people to engage in the BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction) movement. Of late, the BDS movement is on the rise in countries like Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt. 

Biggest food chains like McDonald’s are facing severe backlash and huge losses after the fast food Isreai chain announced that it was giving away thousands of free meals to the Israeli army.

This caused a debate on social media about whether Israeli companies and Israeli products are responsible for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

How Does the BDS Movement Work? 

At its simplest, the BDS movement is a peaceful resistance movement of groups and individuals. The aim behind the movement for some is to use economic and cultural boycotts against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians, a call started by Palestinian activists. 

This will pressure the Israeli government to give in and abide by international law and end its controversial policies toward Palestinians – known commonly as apartheid. For some, a part of the BDS movement aims at questioning the Western support of the Israeli government. 

What Does the BDS Movement Demand?

The BDS movement has three core demands: that Israel end its occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem; give full rights to the Palestinian citizens of Israel, and allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.

Not only do the BDS boycotts include the Israeli corporate companies but also the non-Isreali corporate giants that assist Israel in carrying out the genocide. 

Are boycotts Really Effective?

Consumers in many countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Egypt, and UAE are boycotting brands that allegedly aid Israel in its ongoing oppression against Palestinians.

With McDonald’s at the forefront, other big fast food chains like Domino, Carrefour, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo are amongst many that users on social media are speaking against.

Renowned Pakistani celebrities like Ushna Shah have also shared their opinion on the matter and are all for the boycotts.

According to the Brookings Institute, even if people come together and support the movement the Israeli economy is less vulnerable to boycotts today than it was at the beginning of the regime.

It means that Israeli products are difficult to replace in the market and the exports are not as consumer-oriented as one might think. 

Dr. Akbar Ziadi, who is a political economist and executive director at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), says that Israel is a major exporter of Software, Spyware, drones, and military ammunition no country will ever boycott them.

Moreover, he adds that when it comes to money, no matter whatever faith you belong to, money always wins.

Takeaway

If people want the boycott to be effective then their efforts need to be constant and the issue should be being given enough attention and priority.

As more and more people are becoming aware of the genocide in Gaza due to Social media, they are boycotting Israeli products. 

But people need to bear in mind Pakistan’s current economic standing and the fact that, over the years Israel has mastered the art of dealing with restrictions placed by the Muslim world. 

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