With its attacks on the blockaded Gaza Strip, Israel is deliberately destroying all sectors in the region, including fishing, in addition to killing thousands of Palestinians.
Fishing is one of the main sources of income in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has been blockaded by land, sea and air for 17 years and allows fishing from the coast only within the limits it has determined.
Israeli forces have been carrying out air, land and sea attacks in the region since October 7, where they have reduced the possibility of movement to almost zero for years.
Palestinians, who are trying to survive in the shadow of destruction, rubble and bombardment, state that they risk their lives and go hunting to find some food for their families, even if it is dangerous.
Abu Tamir Fayyad from Deyr al-Belah Camp in the central parts of the Gaza Strip said that the problems that have been going on for 17 years since Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip have increased even more with the attacks on October 7.
Fayyad said, “Israeli attacks have been continuing for 70 days; the machine of war and destruction has not stopped for a moment. The living conditions of fishermen are difficult and their needs are many. If we do not do our job, how will we meet our needs?” he said.
Fayyad, who came to the beach to fish with his son, said, “Despite the danger of being targeted, fishermen take refuge in the sea from Israeli attacks and the resulting material, social and psychological pressures.” said.
Reminding that Palestinian fishermen have been exposed to difficulties for years due to the blockade, Feyyad said, “Israeli assault boats are targeting fishermen and fishing boats in any part of the Gaza Strip non-stop.” he said.
“They are risking their lives”
Palestinian Hasan Hadji described the conditions that fishermen are exposed to in the face of Israel’s ongoing attacks as “a disaster”.
“Everyone who is fishing right now is risking their lives against the threat of being targeted by Israeli warships,” said Haji, a man in his forties who was forced to migrate from Al-Shati Refugee Camp in the northern Gaza Strip to Deir Balah. he said.
Hadji reminded that a few days ago, Israeli gunboats targeted and killed a fisherman from the Al-Mesarii family who was fishing on a primitive boat.
Noting that fishermen went to the sea with simple boats, nets or fishing rods to search for their livelihood, Hacı stated that Israeli soldiers attacked Gaza, Deir Belah, Khan Yunus, Rafah ports and fishing boats.
Hadji said that very little fish could be caught under these conditions; He stated that the fish they caught were quite insufficient for the Palestinians who were forcibly displaced in the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.
Pointing out that fish prices have increased exorbitantly, Hacı explained that they are still relatively affordable compared to the prices of other scarce foods.
“What is being done against the residents of the Gaza Strip in the midst of Arab and international silence is organized crime,” Hadji said. said.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.
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