Ma'an
Gazan fishermen have a three nautical mile area from the Strip's shore in which to cast their nets. The area was reduced from six miles down to three following Israel's war on Gaza in December and January, and Israeli naval ships continue to patrol Gaza waters, firing on fishermen and their crafts as well as empty shorelines and busy beaches.
Dozens of fishermen have been ordered to leave their boats and board Israeli war vessels, with boats being confiscated and often not returned to the men for weeks or months.
Fishing sites are often contaminated with waste run-off from broken water treatment facilities in the Strip, many damaged during the war on the area, which remain damaged and leaking as repair materials and equipment have been barred from the area.
