Fishermen in Gaza are raising concerns over increasingly restrictive Israeli policies that are hindering their ability to fish, impacting their livelihoods and deepening economic challenges in the region.

Due to Israel’s oppressive policies, fishermen in Gaza are putting their lives on the line by venturing into the Mediterranean Sea amidst war and hardship.

Despite the crucial role played by over 4,000 fishermen in providing fresh seafood to Gaza’s populace, their work is fraught with danger due to the treacherous waters surrounding them.

As a result of Israel’s conflict with Gaza, constraints on fishermen have intensified significantly and the risk associated with supplying sustenance to 2.2 million deprived Palestinians has escalated considerably.

The fishing space available to them is restricted and numerous fishermen have expressed concerns regarding the possibility of Israeli vessels approaching unexpectedly, resulting in fatal consequences.

During the initial stages of the Gaza conflict, Israeli occupation forces carried out air raids on fishing ports across all regions in the besieged Strip. This resulted in significant destruction and damage to a vast majority of fishing boats, causing apprehension among local fishermen who chose not to venture into waters for fear of being targeted by Israel – an affliction that recurrently plagues every war or outbreak of extreme violence.

The stranded fisherman from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza is Ismail Abu Jayab, a 35-year-old boat captain who has been unable to fish since October 7th.

We’ve been unable to fish since October 7th when the occupation attacked all boats in Deir al-Balah, destroying them and setting fire to their nets. Sadly, my own boat met a similar fate on October 10th. All of my equipment was burnt along with it – everything I had used for sustenance at sea suddenly gone overnight. This tragedy took away twenty years’ worth of collection: piece by piece, from cork to lead weights, fishing net and paddles; all turned into ashes.”

As the Israeli siege prolonged and starvation became more acute, numerous fishermen and novice seamen were compelled to brave perilous waters in their pursuit of livelihood.

Ismail expressed that their lives have turned into a nightmare due to the siege, along with the merciless conflict taking its toll on fishermen. He explained how even when they venture out only 500 meters into the sea, Israeli military vessels start shooting and causing injuries or fatalities. Thus, every time one sails even just a meter is uncertain if they will make it back alive.

Before the Gaza conflict, more than 4,000 fishermen and numerous amateurs relied solely on their occupation in fishing as a means of sustenance.

“We are currently jobless, and it feels like we’re fish out of water. We lack the necessary tools and gear to sustain our livelihoods. If anyone sees this video, I appeal to their generosity in aiding the fishermen who have faced unfortunate circumstances such as myself.” Ismail expressed his plea for assistance.

Due to the worsening wartime scarcity caused by the closure of its border crossing with Egypt, prices for basic goods in the Gaza Strip have skyrocketed.

Ismail mentioned that currently they are without a boat to sail and thus, have been searching for alternative options such as a small paddle boat. Their previous boats with running motors were destroyed along with their equipment, hence the need for a smaller option. However, it appears no one has this type of vessel available which leaves them in difficult circumstances financially as finding work is scarce and pays little money while cost of living continues to rise; obtaining basic necessities like cigarettes or food at market cannot be achieved on only 100 shekels (currency). The prices for essential goods including vegetables, flour, frying oil and sugar remain high making survival challenging overall. Ismail believes having access to sailing would increase chances of locating sustenance but otherwise life has become much tougher than before due various factors fueling hardship in daily existence.

More sources – AP.