The occupation pursues the livelihood of Gaza fishermen: sinking of boats and comprehensive destruction of the fishing sector

Israeli occupation forces continue their systematic violations against fishermen in the Gaza Strip, targeting small boats and beaches with heavy gunfire and shells. These attacks come amid repeated breaches of ceasefire understandings, exacerbating the humanitarian suffering of thousands of fishermen who rely on the sea as their sole source of livelihood.

Field sources reported that about 4,000 Palestinian fishermen have been directly affected by these continuous pursuits, which prevent them from reaching deep waters. The sources explained that hundreds of boats that were sunk by occupation gunboats are now nothing but scattered wreckage, a scene that embodies the extent of the destruction inflicted on this vital sector.

For his part, Zakaria Bakr, head of the Fishermen's Committees, confirmed that Israeli violations occur daily and vary between direct shooting and the sinking of equipment. Bakr pointed out that this policy aims to impose a comprehensive naval blockade, as the intensity of these attacks has escalated recently to include the complete destruction of fishing infrastructure.

Bakr revealed shocking differences between the reality of fishing before the war and the current situation. Previously, the sector included about a thousand motorized boats, 96 of which were large. Today, fishermen have been forced to use very primitive means of flotation, such as styrofoam boards and old refrigerator doors, in a desperate attempt to secure their daily sustenance.

In terms of production, the occupation's prevention of the entry and operation of boat engines for more than two and a half years has led to the collapse of the sector's productive capacity. The daily fishing rate has decreased from about 20 tons of fish to only about 10 tons per month, leading to a significant shortage in local markets and rising prices.

The losses were not limited to material aspects but also extended to direct targeting of facilities, as Gaza port was bombed with about 26 Israeli missiles. The destruction also affected equipment stores and fishing nets, making the restoration of normal activity in this sector extremely difficult without urgent international intervention.

Regarding human cost, official statistics indicate that the occupation has killed more than 232 fishermen since the escalation began, in addition to injuring and arresting hundreds. Dozens of fishermen are still languishing in Israeli prisons, while the injured suffer from disabilities that prevent them from returning to their arduous profession.

The occupation navy imposes strict restrictions on fishing areas, often preventing fishermen from exceeding a distance of only one kilometer from the shore. This narrow area is monitored by warships that do not hesitate to open heavy machine gun fire on any boat attempting to secure its livelihood.

Despite continuous communication with human rights organizations and international institutions, fishermen confirm that verbal solidarity has not translated into practical steps to protect them from the occupation's bullets. Fishermen emphasize their continued sailing despite the imminent dangers, asserting that steadfastness is their only option to confront the systematic starvation policy.

The Palestinian fisherman today is faced with a choice between a complete ban on practicing his profession or risking his life under Israeli shelling.