(WAFA) – Israeli occupation naval forces chased Palestinian fishing boats this morning off the coast of Khan Yunis and Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, intensifying the daily hardships faced by Palestinian fishermen in the Israeli-besieged enclave.

WAFA correspondent said Israeli naval vessels chased after the fishing boats, firing shots in their direction and releasing sewage water hoses towards them, forcing the fishermen to return to the shore. No reported injuries were reported among the fishermen.

The harassment and intimidation of Palestinian fishermen have been ongoing for years, with Israeli naval patrols often restricting their access to fishing zones, arbitrarily limiting the fishing season. These actions directly impact the economic livelihoods of Gaza's fishing communities, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The United Nations and various international organizations have repeatedly called for an end to the Israeli naval blockade and the expansion of fishing zones for Gaza's fishermen to ensure their basic rights and economic stability. Despite these calls, the situation for fishermen in Gaza continues to deteriorate, and they face daily challenges in their pursuit of a sustainable livelihood.