The Ministry of Agriculture in the Gaza Strip issued a strong condemnation on Monday regarding the targeting of Palestinian fishermen by Israeli occupation forces. The ministry reported that three fishermen sustained injuries after Israeli troops opened fire upon them while they were engaged in their work in the waters off the coast of Gaza City earlier that morning.
Violation of Livelihood and Safety
In an official statement, the ministry characterized these attacks as a blatant violation of the fishermen’s right to work and secure their livelihoods. The authorities described the incidents as direct assaults on the lives and physical safety of the workers. The ministry emphasized that targeting individuals while they are practicing their profession at sea constitutes a severe threat to their well-being and deepens the suffering of families who rely on fishing as a primary source of income.
Call for International Intervention
The ministry urged the international community, along with human rights and humanitarian institutions, to assume their responsibilities immediately. They called for urgent action to halt these aggressions and ensure the protection of Palestinian fishermen. The statement demanded that authorities guarantee the freedom and safety with which fishermen can practice their trade, in accordance with international laws and covenants. The ministry stressed that such protections are essential given the current context.
Context of Ongoing Crisis
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing war launched by the occupation forces on the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction of residents’ sources of livelihood. Despite the severe humanitarian and economic crisis facing the sector, fishermen continue to face repeated attacks that deprive them of work and exacerbate their daily hardships. The ministry highlighted that these actions further compound the unprecedented challenges faced by the population during this period.
