Condemnation of Attacks on Palestinian Fishermen
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) has strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Sea, emphasizing that these actions violate international conventions and severely impact the livelihoods of those affected.
- Incident Details:
- 15 August 2023, Gaza Sea:
- At approximately 06:00, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, heavily fired upon Palestinian fishing boats.
- One fishing boat belonging to Ra’fat “Mohammed ‘Ali” Yousef al-Sultan (53) and his nephew Mohammed Rafeeq “Mohammed ‘Ali” al-Sultan (22) was surrounded by Israeli naval forces.
- The fishermen were ordered to disrobe and jump into the sea, then swim towards the Israeli gunboat. They were subsequently arrested and taken to Ashdod Seaport, while their boat and equipment were confiscated.
- Restrictions and Impact:
- Israeli forces impose restrictions on Palestinian fishermen, limiting their fishing areas to within 6 to 12 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip.
- Since the start of 2023, PCHR has reported:
- 13 fishermen injured.
- 21 fishermen arrested, including one child.
- 6 fishing boats confiscated and 4 others damaged.
- PCHR’s Response and Calls for Action:
- Condemnation: PCHR condemns these actions as a grave breach of international conventions, particularly the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
- International Community: PCHR calls on the international community, including the States Parties to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, to ensure that Israeli authorities cease their attacks on Palestinian fishermen, allow them to fish freely, and address the damages caused.
- Compensation: PCHR demands that fishermen receive compensation for their losses and that the confiscated boats and equipment be returned.
This ongoing harassment and violence against Palestinian fishermen are seen as deliberate attempts to undermine their economic stability and violate their basic rights under international law.
