Israeli forces have arrested seven fishermen off the coast of Gaza City, holding them at an undisclosed location, according to Al Jazeera Arabic.
Throughout the war on Gaza, Israeli naval forces have repeatedly fired at fishermen in the waters that Israel has declared off-limits.
Still, some desperate individuals continue risking the sea to feed their families.
Recent reports paint a grim picture of the fishing sector’s devastation. More than 210 fishermen have been killed since October 2023—including roughly 50 who died while fishing—according to local fishing associations. Over 300 have been injured, many while at sea.
Nearly 95 percent of fishing boats and equipment, along with storage facilities and shelters, have been destroyed. Boats, engines, and infrastructure across Gaza’s port cities are in ruins.
The fishing profession, once a lifeline for tens of thousands, has been decimated. Only a tiny fraction of fishermen are still able to fish, often using makeshift vessels or very restricted zones close to shore.
Fishermen’s losses are catastrophic: hundreds have lost both livelihood and income, and many live in dire conditions, supporting family members in a community under siege.
Despite the danger, arrests, and frequent attacks, these men venture into the sea because they have no other option. With blockade conditions worsening and markets stripped of basic food, fishing is one of the few remaining means to survive.
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