PALESTINIAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE CALLS FOR PROTECTING FISHERMAN

Gaza, 7 Rabi’ul Akhir 1436/28 January 2014 (MINA) – Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza demanded the protection of Palestinian fishermen. It condemned the latest Israeli aggressive action of kidnapping four fishermen and sinking their boat on Tuesday, to the north of Gaza city.

The ministry said, in a statement, the Israeli occupation bears the responsibility of the lives of the four kidnapped Palestinians. It also demanded their immediate release along with returning back the boats and other fishing tools that have been lately confiscated, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The statement said Israel has been harassing the Gazan people over the only source of living left for them.

The ministry called on the international and human rights organizations to urgently intervene to provide protection for Palestinian fishermen in Gaza.

The statement also referred to the daily violations and tightening measures of the Israeli occupation in Gaza. It mentioned firing machineguns at the fishing boats, arresting fishermen, bargaining them to work as agents for Israel and preventing them of fishing, which all run contrary to human rights.

“The Israeli occupation authority by its daily aggressive actions confirms the continuation of naval blockade on Gaza Strip. International campaigns for lifting the siege on Gaza is a must”, the statement said.

The ministry pointed out that 48,500 Palestinians depend on fishing as the only source of living.(T/P008/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)