(Personal research work)
Prior to the disengagement, internal movement was almost impossible within the Gaza Strip. Fishers and farmers from Al Mawasi, a 14 kilometre long and one kilometre wide enclave caught between the Gush Katif settlement block and the sea had little access to the outside world, for example. Fishing was prohibited from the nearby wharf of Khan Younis and subject to restrictions from the other wharf, the Rafah wharf. People could only access Al Mawasi through a single internal checkpoint through which it was virtually impossible for non residents to enter- be they family, friends or merchants. Only one fisher a year was allowed into Gaza City to register all the other fishers. These registrations were important for fishers as they made them eligible for international assistance, in particular World Food Programme food aid, on which the restrictions on sea and land made them heavily dependent (see also Safety Net for Palestinian Fishermen).
It was clear from the Disengagement Plan that Israel would maintain marine authority off the coast of Gaza. Less clear were the restrictions, if any, Israel will impose on the activities of the fishers and whether Israel will continue marine inspection off the coast of Gaza.
Months after the disengagement, completed on 12th September 2005, internal movement has seen a dramatic improvement within the Strip. Yet, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reports that: since fishers have been allowed back into the sea they have been subjected to intensive monitoring by the Israeli military at sea, including shooting (see also Some relief for Gaza’s fishermen).
The lastest OCHA Humanitarian Update for November December 2005 reports that:
- Access for Palestinian fishing has improved in Al Mawasi;
- Due to the prohibition of use of Khan Younis wharf and the restrictions at the Rafah wharf as well as Palestinian looting in the aftermath of the pull out, the wharves are in need of repair (USD 675,000 and USD 460,000 respectively);
- There is growing concern in Al Mawasi about the ability to export agricultural products through Karni crossing.
As for access to fishing, the OCHA update reads that:
- Palestinian fishing remain restricted by Israeli measures up to 10 nautical miles from the coastline;
- Palestinian fishing is further prohibited one nautical mile north of the border with Egypt and one and a half nautical miles south of the border with Israel;
- Palestinian fishing was totally prohibited between 24 September and 6 October (see also Some relief for Gaza’s fishermen).
