Fishers faced with insurmontable challenge

The fishing industry, already crippled by restrictions and pollution, is suffering following the closure of the Gaza coastline. WFP warns of deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza (August, 28th 2006):

'Gaza today remains completely reliant on an external food supply and commercial stocks.

Over a six-week period from 1 July-15 August, WFP transported some 5,000 tons of food into Gaza for its expanded caseload. There is now a one-month stock of food aid available.

In contrast to Lebanon, where humanitarian food aid needs have been essentially met, the growing number of poor in Gaza are living on the bare minimum and face a daily struggle to cover their daily food needs.

Some 70 percent of Gaza’s population are food insecure and the vast majority are dependant on assistance from the United Nations to cover their basic needs.

WFP has responded to the rising poverty by increasing the number of people assisted to 220,000 from 160,000 previously.

They include poor farmers, fishermen, daily workers and disabled/disadvantaged individuals – around 50 percent of the non-refugee population, or 16 percent of Gaza’s total population.

Over 35,000 of those assisted are farmers and fishermen. Fishermen are currently faced with an insurmountable challenge.

The fishing industry – already in a steep decline due to restricted waters and pollution – has been paralyzed by a total closure of the Gaza coastline since 25 June.

The markets are now empty of fish and 35,000 people reliant on the industry are suffering a devastating loss of income.'