Thursday, December 29, 2005

The Gaza Pullout: Caught in a Trap

"We are in a prison now but we may end up just being in a bigger prison" - Donald Macintyre's article, published in the Independent on August 11, 2005, describes the life of fishermen in Al Mawasi, a strip of land wedged between the sea and former Jewish settlements in southern Gaza. Written a week before Israel's disengagement from Gaza, the article raises interesting questions so as to the future of fishermen, not only in terms of rehabilitation of infrastrutures/boats/nets/etc. but also in terms of possibilities to market their catch - if any.

Some relief for Gaza’s fishermen

Despite its promising title, this article by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights is in fact an example of the restrictions and closures imposed on Palestinian fishermen. The article refers in particular to the two week fishing ban imposed on Palestinian fishermen during the disengagement from Gaza. The ban occurred during the Sardine season. Fishing being seasonal, this means a considerable loss of income and food for the 35,000 people in Gaza who rely on the fishing industry. To read more, click on Some relief for Gaza’s Fishermen in links.

Why this blog?

Rear windowz is a personal blog. It is the fruit of more than three years spent working on fisheries related issues and of four months spent in Palestine (May 2005; July-Sept 2005), working and collecting information on fisheries in the Gaza Strip. It aims to provide general and more focused information on this vital sector for Gaza, for both fisheries and non fisheries experts. The ultimate goal is to draw attention to the sector and stimulate ideas on rehabilitation projects.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Gaza Strip Photos

To picture the Gaza Strip, take a look at Steve Sabella's photos clicking on the Gaza Strip Photo link.

Gaza Strip Fisheries Under Siege

"The fishery of Palestine has deep-rooted traditions, but
has developed little, due to various occupations and political upheavals"


This article is by fisheries development consultant, Izzat Feidi, former Chief, Fish Utilization and Marketing Service, Fisheries Industry Division, FAO, Rome, for Samudra, the triennial report of the International Collective in Support of Fishworkers. It is an exhaustive survey of the fisheries sector in Gaza with ideas for its rehabilitation. Published in December 2000, it is however still relevant. [non fisheries experts might find it too technical]. Email me if you cannot access the article.

 
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