On Friday morning, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast of Gaza, severely damaging one fishing boat.
In addition, along the southern Gaza border, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers who were tending their crops in Al Qararah village, northeast of Khan Younis. No injuries were reported, but the farmers were forced to abandon their crops.
In the attack on the fishers, local sources reported that the fishing boats were operating within the parameters set up by the Israeli authorities – which requires that they remain within six nautical miles of the shore.
The restriction has had a devastating impact on the Palestinian fishing industry, as many of the best locations for fishing are outside of the boundary set by the Israeli authorities.
However, even when the Palestinian fishers follow the arbitrary rules of the Israeli navy and remain within the designated zone, they are frequently fired upon and attacked by Israeli naval ships stationed off the coast of Gaza to enforce the naval blockade on the coastal strip.
In addition to firing live ammunition at the fishing boats, the Israeli naval forces also fired sound bombs and water cannons.
One boat was damaged and had to be abandoned at sea, while the other fishing boats were forced to return to shore without having completed their catch for the day.
Such attacks by the Israeli navy are frequent, according to local sources.
