Ref:139/2014
Date: 09 September 2014
Time: 11:30 GMT

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is following up with concern the Israeli violations against Palestinian fishermen while fishing in the Gaza Strip waters within the allowed fishing area. The most recent violation took place today morning, during to which 4 fishermen were arrested and 2 fishing boats and nets were confiscated.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 05:00 on Tuesday, 09 September 2014, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha resort, northwest of Beit Lahiatown in the north of the Gaza Strip, opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats that were sailing within 1.5 nautical miles. A gunboat approached a fishing boat boarded by Tareq Abdul Bari Mohammed al-Sultan (18) and his brother Saddam (21), both from al-Salateen neighborhood in Beit Lahiatown. The 2 fishermen were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. Moreover, their fishing boat and net were confiscated.

At approximately 06:00 also on Tuesday, Israeli gunboats opened fire again at fishing boats in the same area. A gunboat also approached a fishing boat that was sailing within 1.5 nautical miles. Baha’ Yusef Mohammed al-Sultan (25) and Ahmed As’ad Mohammed al-Sultan (22) from al-Salateen neighborhood in Beit Lahia, were on board the boat. The 2 fishermen were arrested and taken to an unknown destination. Moreover, their fishing boat and net were confiscated.

Last week, Israeli forces alsoarrested 2 fishermen. At approximately 06:30 on Wednesday, 03 September 2014, Israeli navy forces opened fire at fishing boats that were sailing within 1.5 nautical miles off Beit Lahia shore. They surrounded a fishing boat boarded by MousaTalal al-Sultan (24) and Mohammed Is’haqZayed (19), from Beit Lahia. Israeli navy forces ordered the fishermen to jump into the water, arrested them, confiscated their boat and took them to Ashdod seaport.

Thus, the number of fishermen arrested by Israeli navy forces since the truce came into force on 26 August 2014 between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups has increased to 6 fishermen although the allowed fishing area was extended up to 6 nautical miles according to the truce agreement. In addition, 3 fishing boats have been confiscated. Israeli forces have opened fire at fishing boats sailing within the allowed area over 25 times. Moreover, according to fishermen, the Israeli navy forces started on 06 September 2014 preventing them from sailing beyond 5 nautical miles and fired at those who do so.
PCHR condemns the continued targeting of fishermen and their livelihoods. PCHR expresses concern over Israeli violations of the economic and social rights of Palestinian fisherman especially under the illegal naval blockade imposed by Israeli authorities on the Gaza waters and the mass destruction which was caused by the latest Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.

PCHR condemns Israeli attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip, and:

1. Calls for the immediate halt of the policy of chasing and arresting Palestinian fishermen, and allowing them to sail and fish freely;
2. Demands releasing the arrested fishermen, and providing compensation to the fishermen for the physical and material damage caused to them and their property as a result of these violations; and
3. Calls upon the international community, including the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, to immediately intervene to stop the Israeli violations against Palestinian fishermen and allow them to sail and fish freely in the Gaza sea.