Gaza Fishermen: A Lifeline Under Israel’s Blockade & War

Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – On the blue, wavy surface off the Khan Younis seaport, two Palestinian fishermen paddled their small, battered boat nearly 200 metres (656 feet) into the sea. On the shore, Dawood Sehwail, a 72-year-old Palestinian fisherman, stood inspecting a torn net, his eyes fixed on the waves. Even before October 2023, when Israel began its war on Gaza, Palestinian fishermen operated under heavy restrictions imposed by Israel, impacting their livelihoods and food security.

A Lifeline Under Siege: Palestinian Fishermen and Israel’s Control of Gaza’s Sea

Displaced from Rafah in May 2024, Sehwail now comes daily to the water’s edge, not just to fish, but to discover solace and remember a life increasingly threatened by conflict and restriction. For decades, Gaza’s fishermen have navigated a complex web of limitations on their access to the sea, a vital resource that has become a focal point of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The situation has dramatically worsened since October 2023, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a significant loss of life.

Restrictions and Destruction: The Reality for Gaza’s Fishermen

Even before the current conflict, fishing zones were repeatedly reduced, and maritime boundaries outlined in agreements were rarely enforced. The distances fishermen were permitted to travel fluctuated, often shrinking without warning. Sehwail, who once owned a stone distribution business, turned to fishing after the tightening of the Israeli blockade in 2007. He recalls a time when a successful catch could provide for his family and allow for some savings, but that has become increasingly rare.

The recent war has brought devastation to Gaza’s fishing sector. The Khan Younis seaport has been largely destroyed by Israeli air strikes, and boats have been burned or sunk. Sehwail lost his own boat and nets shortly before being displaced. Fishermen are now forced to improvise, using salvaged materials and paddling small boats, risking their lives for even a minimal catch.

The Human Cost: Loss of Life and Livelihoods

The Gaza Fishermen’s Syndicate reports that at least 238 fishermen have been killed by Israel since October 2023, among more than 72,000 Palestinians killed in the conflict. The sector, which once supported over 5,000 fishermen and their families, has been decimated. Fishermen face the constant threat of being shot at or detained by the Israeli navy, even within the limited fishing zones currently permitted.

Zakaria Baker, the head of Gaza’s Fishermen Syndicate, stated that the sea is “practically closed,” with fishermen hesitant to venture more than 800 metres (2,625 feet) offshore due to safety concerns. The uncertainty and risk create it incredibly tricky to sustain a livelihood.

A Critical Source of Food Security Under Threat

Before the war, Gaza’s fisheries sector played a vital role in food security. However, production capacity has plummeted to less than 7.3 percent of its pre-October 2023 levels, according to the United Nations. Approximately 72 percent of Gaza’s fishing fleet has been damaged or destroyed. This collapse has severely impacted food availability and access, particularly as Gaza faces a deepening humanitarian crisis.

The reduction in fishing access has limited both the quantity and variety of fish available. Fishermen are now forced to catch smaller, juvenile fish that should be allowed to mature, further jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of the resource. Fresh fish has become a luxury that many families cannot afford, with frozen imports often being the only option.

What Happens Next? The Path to Recovery

Rehabilitation and recovery will require more than just a ceasefire. Baker emphasized the need for the entry of materials and compensation for fishermen, as well as an end to Israeli restrictions. Stable and safe conditions are essential for fishermen to return to work without fear of violence. As Sehwail poignantly stated, “We only want to live with dignity and provide for our families.”

The future of Gaza’s fishing industry remains uncertain, but the resilience and determination of its fishermen offer a glimmer of hope. The ability to access and utilize the sea is not just an economic issue; This proves a matter of survival, dignity, and cultural identity for the people of Gaza.

This article incorporates information from Al Jazeera, Wikipedia, and reports from the Gaza Fishermen’s Syndicate.