ISRAEL REDUCES FISHING AREA FOR GAZA FISHERMEN

image:Alray — **Israel reduces fishing area for Gaza fishermen, again.** (Photo:Alray)

Gaza, 9 Ramadan 1435/7 July 2014 (MINA) – Israel Occupation Authority decided to reduce, again, the fishing area for Gaza fishermen from six to three nautical miles, local authorities have said on Sunday (6/7).

“The Israeli Occupation side notified Gaza fishermen about the decision and told them to leave the restricted area,” the Palestinian Agriculture Ministry in said in a statement.

It warned that the Israeli Occupation decision would have devastating effects on the livelihoods of thousands of Gaza fishermen, ALRAY, Palestinian Media Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The ministry said fishing within three nautical miles would not help the fishermen make ends meet.

Of the Gaza Strip’s roughly 1.8 million inhabitants, about 50,000 earn their living from fishing, according to the Palestinian Fishermen’s Union.

According to the 1993 Oslo peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Palestinian fishermen are allowed to ply their trade 20 miles off the Gaza coastline.(T/Nidiya/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)