(Personal research work)
The Gaza Strip came under the autonomous rule of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994, as a result of the Oslo Peace Accords of 1993. The same accords divided the approximately 41km long coastline of the Strip into three zones. The two zones at the ends of the Gaza Strip were defined as buffer zones and closed to Palestinian boats. The reason put forward was Israeli security and stopping boats getting to Egypt, to the area opposite the Israeli settlements of Gush Katif and to Israel itself. The consequences for the fishing communities in the southern parts of the Strip - where most fishing communities are located after Gaza City (approx. 1,100) - were devastating. They lost their immediate source of cash and food, and in some cases lost their source of living, as boats and nets were left unused deteriorating on the beach. Only the central zone of the Gaza Strip was open to Palestinians for fishing but only up to 20 sea miles out from the coast - which means that deep water fishing was prohibited.
After the al Aqsa Intifada, in 2000, all Palestinian vessels were forbidden to go further than six nautical miles out, further reducing the capacity of Palestinians to live off the sea.
Sometimes complete bans are imposed on fishers. It is estimated that in the five year period following the al Aqsa Intifada, fishers have been denied access to the sea for an accumulated total of one year. Recently, from September, 24th until October, 8th, 2005, the Israeli Defense Forces did not allow Gaza's fishers access to the sea. This complete closure occurred during the Sardine season and also at a time when the moon provides optimal light for fishing. Fishing being a seasonal activity, these bans are devastating. Vessels which do not obey restrictions are shot by the Israeli navy, with the consequences this entails in terms of loss of life and equipment. A Washington Times interview of Tarik Mousbah Saker, Fisheries Director in Gaza, reads that in 2004 an estimated $10 million in equipment was destroyed by Israeli naval forces in addition to millions more in lost income from fish sales. To be continued.
