Fishing Zone in Gaza Narrowed Down Again by Israel

Gaza, MINA – Israel announced restrictions on fishing zones against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. This announcement came after easing of the blockade had taken place in early May.

With this restriction, according to AlJazera, fishermen from the region can only fish up to a maximum of 10 nautical miles. The move comes just days after Israel returned the fishing limit to a maximum of 15 nautical miles due to attacks from Gaza.

Israel’s latest move is a sign of implementing ceasefire to prevent conflict with Palestine again fragile. Until now, there are 3,700 people in the Gaza Strip who work as fishermen and according to reports from the human rights group Bemselem, not a few of them live below poverty.

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In the rules according to an agreement signed in capital city of Oslo, Norway in 1993, Israel must allow fishing for up to 20 nautical miles for Palestinians. However, this provision has never been implemented until now.

In practice, Israel only allowed fishing for up to 12 nautical miles until 2006, when the fishing zone was reduced to six and then three. Israel continues to maintain a naval presence that limits water traffic and distance of Gaza fishermen to catch fish.

This has affected the livelihoods of around 4,000 Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip. At least, there are more than 1,500 people involved in the fishing industry in region and depend on fisheries. (T/Sj/P2)

Also Read: Israeli Forces Increasingly Attack on Gaza Fisherme

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)