Israeli forces shoot, injure 2 Palestinian fishermen off Gaza coast

Nov. 16, 2015 10:16 A.M. (Updated: Nov. 16, 2015 11:22 A.M.)

 

 

GAZA CITY (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinian fishermen off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Monday, witnesses said.

 

Locals said the fishermen sustained moderate injuries after being targeted off the coast near Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza by Israeli naval forces.

 

An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma'an that three fishing boats deviated from the designated fishing area and Israeli forces fired warning shots in the air, with no reports of injuries.

 

Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on Palestinian fishermen and farmers since the ceasefire agreement signed Aug. 26, 2014 that ended a devastating 50-day Israeli military offensive against the Gaza Strip.

At least three Palestinian fishermen have been shot dead by Israeli forces since last September.

 

On Nov. 5, Egyptian military forces shot and killed a Palestinian fisherman off the coast of the southern Gaza Strip.Egypt upholds the Israeli military blockade on Gaza, keeping borders largely closed and limiting imports, exports, and the freedom of movement of its residents.

 

Egyptian army shoots, kills Palestinian fisherman off Gaza coast

Nov. 5, 2015 6:08 P.M. (Updated: Nov. 5, 2015 6:08 P.M.)

Palestinian fishermen stand on a boat in the harbor of Gaza City. (AFP/Roberto Schmidt, File)

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Egyptian military forces shot and killed a Palestinian fisherman off the coast of the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of Health in the besieged enclave said.

Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesperson of the ministry, said Firas Mohammad Miqdad, 18, from Rafah was shot in the abdomen by Egyptian forces while at sea and died from his injuries.It is unclear why Egyptian forces opened fire.In May, Egyptian naval forces opened fire at a Palestinian fishing boat off the coast of the southern Gaza Strip, injuring a fisherman from Rafah.Egypt upholds an Israeli military blockade on Gaza, keeping borders largely closed and limiting imports, exports, and the freedom of movement of its residents.The threat from Egyptian forces comes as Palestinian fishermen already face daily risks in order to make a living, including routine harassment from Israeli naval forces, confiscation of boats and materials, detention, and potentially death.

Israeli forces reportedly fired towards Palestinian fishing boats on a daily basis last week, according to documentation by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.