Thursday, August 17, 2006

On June 2006, funds to repair boats and gear

Clicking on the title, you will find a link to a project by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched in June 2006. The project provided funds to Gaza Strip fishers to repair their boats and replace essential equipment such as engines and fishing gear.

The ICRC page contains a link to a video, shot on 6 June 2006 during the sardine season (usually around May) in Gaza. The video, which is 6"38, shows Rafah beach fishers. It highlights some of the problems fishers have, i.e.: after years of disuse, boats are rusty; fishers can't afford the costs of repair as they were subject to fishing restrictions for years; fishers also say that the permitted fishing area, 10 nautical mile limit along 38 kilometres of the Gaza coast, is not extended enough for them to catch best fish shoals; it is forbidden to sell the fish in other Palestinian markets in the West Bank (Israelis control borders); Israeli navy shoots at them when they are out at sea.

The situation has since then changed. Fishers don't have access to fishing grounds again. Yet it is still interesting to view the video and read the script.

link to the video: http://real.xobix.ch/ramgen/icrc/2006/video/news-cut/gaza-fishermen-newscut-060706.rm

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Continuing fishing restrictions

Food situation in Gaza remains critical with more than 70% of the population unable to cover their daily food needs without assistance.

In the meantime, Israeli naval vessels continue to restrict access to fishing grounds in front of the Gaza Strip.

United Nations Agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territory say

Another statement on Gaza by United Nations Agencies working in the Palestinian territory dated 3rd August 2006. The agencies are alarmed by the continuing violence facing 1.4 million people in Gaza.

The fishing sector is still subject to severe fishing restrictions - boats are not leaving port. These restrictions are crippling the industry and the income of some 35,000 people who live off the industry. There is an absence of fish on the local market and the declining cash income and dwindling international aid are impairing the ability of fishers to aquire spare parts for fishing boat maintenance.

 
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