CPSGaza
Today, a fishermen boat, with three international people from de CPSGaza inside, was attacked by the israeli navy when they were 3 miles from the Gaza coast. These attacks against civilians violates the article 3 of the 4th Geneva convention which applies in a situation of Occupation.
Although by now the Olive can not fulfill its mission as an international observer, due to the engine spoiling attack which took place last 23th July, Gaza CPS members continue their work, monitoring Human Rights violation in the Gaza coasts.
At 11 am, the ship was working at a point near the town of Rafah, keeping the distance of three nautical miles from shore, according to fishermen. Then, an Israeli navy ship approached and without warning, opened fire into the water, near the fishing boat. After a few tense minutes, they went away. Accordint to the fishermen, they left after watching more clearly that there were three international on the boat,
Several naval ships had approached before, but never to such extremes. just watching
and controlling the fishermen's activities.
No one was hurt in the accident, and both fishermen and three international (citizens from Spain and France) could return to the harbour.
Background
Israel has been regularly attacking Palestinian fishermen within the purported 3 nautical mile fishing limit. The livelihood of many Gazans relies on fishing and Israel has been using live ammunition and water cannons to prevent fishermen from doing their work.
The Israeli Siege continues after more than 4 years, limiting the sea area available for the Gaza population. This area was supposed to be 20 miles according to the Jericho agreements from 1994 (under the Oslo accords), then it was reduced to 12 miles, to 6 miles and now to 3 miles since December 2008.
