The Ministry of Agriculture has further cited Israel’s attacks on Palestinian livelihood in Gaza, with regard to the fishing space off the coast, which has been limited from six to three miles.Local news has reported that Israel informed the Palestinian liaison department of its decision, by which the fishing zone would be as was before the ceasefire agreement following the aggression of the ‘Pillar of Defense’ operation, in November of 2012.
In a press statement, today, the ministry called the decision ‘a war against thousands of the Palestinian fishermen and their livelihoods’, according to Al Ray.
Over 3,500 Gazans work in the fishing industry amidst daily Israeli violations across the sea.
The weekly report by Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), on 28 June 2014, states that Israeli gunboats stationed off Khan Younis shore, southern Gaza Strip, opened sporadic fire for two hours towards Palestinian fishing boats sailing four nautical miles offshore.
The fishermen were driven away in fear of being injured or abducted, and of their boats or equipment being damaged.
Gaza has been under a severe economic blockade imposed by Israel since 2006, leading to frequent humanitarian crises. With Egyptian backing, Israel tightened the blockade in 2007, following a political victory by Hamas.
The General Department of Fisheries has called on Egypt, as patron of the 2012 cease-fire agreement, to intervene.
Related: Ministry of Agriculture: Israeli Attacks = $2.5 m in Damages
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