Israeli Navy Shoots (Another) Fisherman in Open Water

A fisherman is shot by the Israeli Navy without cause off the coast of occupied Gaza City.

Civilian fishing boats were fired upon by the Israeli Navy. Photo by Shadi Zohod.

(GAZA) - A 45-year old fisherman was rushed to the hospital for treatment after medical sources say he was shot in the leg today. His condition is stable now.

The Israeli occupation forces have recently increased prosecution against fishermen in the Sea of Gaza Strip. They have developed a new large buoy system only 3 miles from the shore in order to oversee the occupied people of Gaza.

This border fence in the water was created solely to prevent Gaza's fishermen from getting their boats to a reasonable distance for catching fish.

To the best of my knowledge, there have been 3 fishermen killed on behalf of the blockade, and in 2011 alone at least 32 fishermen have been arrested, with 6 or more injured, and over 20 boats have been confiscated.

The head of the Fishermen's Union Province of Gaza, Mohamed Sobh El-Hessi said, "The Israeli naval forces began to develop a border of huge buoys, installed above traffic signals and devices believed to have cameras and monitoring, at a distance of 3 miles from the shores of the Gaza Strip."

El-Hessi added that the Navy distributed a statement warning the fishermen not to pass the signals, that passing the buoy border would expose the working men to gunfire, arrest and confiscation of fishing equipment.

El-Hessi explained that the consequences of this new policy would be dire for those that depend on a career in the fishing sector as the only source of livelihood. "This affects hundreds of fishermen and their families, in addition to limiting one of the only food sources for the community."

The Israeli authorities imposed a "land, air and sea" naval blockade on the Gaza coast in 2007, depriving many Palestinian fishermen the practice of fishing, as they first reduced the distance allowed for hunting the sea of Gaza from 20 nautical miles, then reduced the distance agreed upon to only 6 nautical miles- and then to 3 miles to fish "freely".

"Freely" being a very subjective term when it comes to life in Gaza.

Shadi Zohod is a Journalist working in Gaza, serving several functions as Reporter, Designer, Editor and Photographer. He is compelled to work documenting Israeli war crimes in an effort to put an end to the brutal and tragic situation brought on by the Israeli occupation.