Gaza Strip after the Disengagement

I remember some Palestinians felt the Gaza disengagement plan was a good thing. It is true that prior to the disengagement, internal movement was almost impossible within the Gaza Strip. In Al Mawasi, for instance, in the south of the Strip, 5,000 people, mostly fishers, farmers and their families, were not allowed to move, stuck between the settlement and the sea with no access to fishing and no markets for goods. The area was controlled by a check point through which access was almost impossible.

What has changed since for the Gazans...This is from B'tselem website:

"In September 2005, Israel completed the " Gaza disengagement plan" that had been approved by the government and the Knesset. The two primary components of the plan were dismantling of the Gaza settlements and moving the settlers to Israeli territory, and removal of all IDF forces from the area. After the plan was completed, Israel issued an order declaring the end of the military government in the Gaza Strip, and claimed that it was no longer responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of life there. However, Israel continued to control the air and sea space, movement between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank (also via neighboring countries), the population registry, family unification, and the crossing of goods to and from Gaza . Also, residents of the Gaza Strip rely solely on Israel for its supply of fuel, electricity, and gas. Until 28 June 2006, an independent electric-power station operated in the Gaza Strip, producing about one-half of the electricity needed by the residents in the Strip. The station relied completely on fuel and gas from Israel. On 28 June, Israel bombed the electric-power station. Since then, residents of the Gaza Strip have relied completely on Israel for their electricity.

The army's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and dismantlement of the settlements resulted in appreciable improvement in the freedom of movement of Palestinians within the Strip, and much land was made available to the Palestinian Authority. Also, the Palestinian Authority was given control over the Rafah crossing, through which residents of the Gaza Strip holding Palestinian identity cards are free to cross to and from Egypt , provided the crossing is open, without Israel 's approval. However, Israel retained the power to compel the Palestinian Authority to close the Rafah crossing. Israel exercised this power following the abduction of Cpl. Gilad Shalit, on 26 June 2006.

Other than the improvement and benefit mentioned above, the disengagement did not lead to any improvement in the living conditions of the area's residents, and Israel continues to violate their rights by its various acts and omissions.

Israel 's frequent closing of the crossings between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank severely infringed the right of Gazans to work and to adequate living conditions. They also made it harder for Gazan exporters to compete and develop their businesses, and led to a significant drop in the availability of basic goods and medicines and to a sharp increase in their prices. Israel 's decision to drastically curtail the number of Gazans allowed to work in Israel left many families without a source of livelihood. As a result, forty percent of the work force in Gaza is unemployed. Israel froze, following the establishment of the Hamas government, the transfer to the PA of tax moneys it collected for it. This action prevents the payment of salaries to public employees and aggravates the already bad economic condition. Eighty percent of the residents of the Gaza Strip live under the poverty line.

The right to family life in the Gaza Strip, too, has not improved since disengagement. Families that are split, with some members, spouses included, living in the Gaza Strip and others in the West Bank, have suffered from prolonged separation as a result of Israel's absolute prohibition on Palestinian's traveling from the one area to the other, and the sweeping restrictions on crossing via Egypt and Jordan. In addition, the Knesset enacted a statute prohibiting family unification of Palestinians from the Occupied Territories with Israeli citizens and residents, and Israel does not allow its citizens and residents who are married to Gazans to enter the Strip to visit their families. "

The article continues..

Control of the territorial waters

From B'tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories.

"While there is no fence along Gaza 's coastline, residents do not have open access to the sea. Palestinians wanting to go to sea need to request a permit from Israel . Those who obtain a permit are not allowed to sail far from shore. Anyone who violates the prohibition puts his life at risk: in the past, Israeli patrol boats have fired at boats that exceeded the maximum distance allowed. Israel 's Navy patrols the waters and thwarts attempts to enter or leave Gaza by sea.

In the Interim Agreement, signed by Israel and the PLO as part of the Oslo peace process, Israel undertook to allow fishing boats from Gaza to go some twenty nautical miles (about thirty-seven kilometers) from the coastline (except for a few areas, to which they were prohibited entry). However, Israel did not in fact issue permits to all applicants, and allowed fishing up to a distance of no more than ten nautical miles. Following implementation of the disengagement plan, Israel reduced the fishing area even more, and since the abduction of Cpl. Shalit, on 25 June 2006, fishermen have not been allowed to go further than three nautical miles from shore. As a result, the fishing sector in Gaza , which provides a livelihood to many Gazan families and is an important source of food for Gazans, suffered a harsh blow.

In the agreements signed by the parties since the beginning of the Oslo peace process, the sides repeatedly agreed to work toward building and operating a seaport in Gaza . In the summer of 2000, infrastructure work began to build the port, but in October of that year Israel bombed the construction site in response to the killing of two soldiers in Ramallah by Palestinians. As a result, the donor states ceased funding the project, and no work has been done on the seaport since then. In the AMA , of November 2005, Israel agreed to allow construction of the port. Moreover, in order to assure that foreign donors and investors would not be deterred from investing in the project, Israel undertook to guarantee that it would not again interfere with the operation of the port and to cooperate in establishing the security and other relevant arrangements which would need to be made prior to the opening of the port. To date, no action has been taken in this matter. "

Note of the week

"Four Israeli military boats opened fire and rounded up 14 Palestinian fishing boats in Rafah and forced them to sail towards deeper waters. IDF vessels tied the boats and ordered the fishermen to jump in the water and swim individually towards the military ships. A total of 54 Palestinian fishermen were interrogated before later being released while two others were arrested. "

source: OCHA, weekly report 14 March- 20 March 2007 (OCHA is the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Weekly report+News Footage

OCHA reports that on the week of March 7th-13th 2007:

• two Palestinian fishermen were injured when Israeli Defence Force (IDF) gunboats opened fire at three fishing boats in Rafah.
• The IDF opened fire a total of eight times at Palestinians either from the border fence or out at sea.
  

This reminded me of a ICRC news footage on Rafah fishermen struggle for survival. The footage which is worth taking a look at includes an interview of Nizar Ayash, Representative of Fisherman’s Union which summarises well Gazan fishers' problems:
"First, one of the major problems is marketing the fish, because it is forbidden to sell the fish in other Palestinian markets. Second is the limited fishing zone, just 38 kilometres along the beaches of Gaza Strip. Third is the fact that the Israeli Navy regularly shoots at the fishermen when they are out at sea."

Fishing is inherited in Gaza

"Fishing is inherited in Gaza. I grew up knowing nothing else. I can be nothing but a fisherman," Kahlout says in an article posted on IRIN webiste on Sept. 2006 recalling the long tradition of fishing in Gaza.

There are 2,500 registered fishers in the Strip of Gaza and a further 2,500 people employed in the fishing industry (e.g. fish marketing, boat services, boat repair and maintenance). Out of the 1,4 million Palestinians living in the Strip, it is estimated that approximately 35,000 people rely on the fishing industry as a source of food or income.

The fisheries sector is relatively small compared to the major fisheries of neighbouring countries. Yet, for the economy of Gaza (characterised by a high unemployment rate, a severe shortage of job opportunities, and a lack of natural resources), the fisheries sector has been and could be a significant source of high protein food, employment, income and foreign exchange earnings.

Yet fishing has been subject to restrictions and bans by Israel which "(...) significantly scaled down the amount, size, and variety of fish that fishermen can catch," Tareq Saqer, Director General of Fish Resources in the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, says.

Saqer says that the "unfair restrictions" placed on Palestinian fishermen cost the fishing sector millions of dollars in fishing equipment destroyed by Israeli naval forces in addition to millions more in lost income from fish sales.

[More on restrictions on to the IRIN website article. IRIN stands for Integrated Regional Information Networks. It is part of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, but its services are editorially independent.]

A fishy watch

Jon Elmer, in this article Israelis Keep a Fishy Watch dated February 14th 2007, describes the situation of the fishing industry in the Strip of Gaza highlighting its importance to Gaza's 1.5 million population.

If there is not a drastic change in Israeli-imposed ban on Gaza's fishermen, the entire fishing industry will have collapsed by the end of 2007, warns Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Department of Fisheries. Alarming statement considering that the fishing industry is an important source of proteins and employment in Gaza.

The report by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) due to be released this month proves the PNA Department of Fisheries right. The report illustrates how restrictions on trade and movement experienced over 2006 have led to the progressive fragmentation of the economy, dragging previously self-reliant sectors of society such as fishermen, but also traders and small shop owners, into poverty and debt.

23 Feb. 07: IDF prohibits fishing off Gaza coast and abuse fishermen

In September 2005, Israel completed its Gaza disengagement plan and declared the end of the military government in the Gaza Strip. Yet Israel continues to forbid fishers to sail off the coast of Gaza and occasionally shoots at Palestinian fishers.

Lacking other source of employment, some fishers take the risk and go to sea. In a press release date 23 february 2007, B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, tells the story of some of them including of 'Adnan al-Badwil who had his fishing boat gunfired by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).

Previously self-reliant sectors of society have fallen into poverty and debt

A report by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) due to be released this month illustrates how restrictions on trade and movement experienced over 2006 have led to the progressive fragmentation of the economy, dragging previously self-reliant sectors of society (farmers, workers, fishermen, traders and small shop owners) into poverty and debt.

Gaza relies almost entirely on imported food, thus any closure of the Karni commercial crossing has a direct impact on the availability and price of basic commodities. The stagnation of trade experienced in 2006 drastically affected employment and income opportunities throughout the Gaza Strip leading to a serious rise in poverty.

Agreed documents on movement and access from and to Gaza

dated 15 Nov 2005, the Agreement is still in vigor - the UK International Development Committee, representing British Members of Parliament (MPs), published on 31st January 2007, stresses the need for its implementation.

"To promote peaceful economic development and improve the humanitarian situation on the ground, the following agreement has been reached. It represents the commitments of the Government of Israel (GoI) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Its implementation and further elaboration will be assisted by the Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement and his staff and/or the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) and his staff.

1. Rafah
The parties have agreed to the attached statement of principles. Rafah will be opened as soon as it is ready to operate at an international standard in accordance with the specifications of this agreement and as soon as the 3rd party is on site, with a target date of November 25.

2. Crossing Points
The parties have agreed that:
The passages will operate continuously. On an urgent basis, Israel will permit the export of all agricultural products from Gaza during this 2005 harvest season.
The new and additional scanner will be installed and fully operational by December 31. At that time, the number of export trucks per day to be processed through Karni will reach 150, and 400 by end-2006. A common management system will be adopted by both parties.
In addition to the number of trucks above, Israel will permit export of agricultural produce from Gaza and will facilitate its speedy exit and onward movement so that quality and freshness can be maintained. Israel will ensure the continued opportunity to export.

To enhance operation, the parties agree that:
· When a new generation of x-ray equipment able to scan trailers as well as containers becomes available it will be used. Once it arrives in the country, testing will also be carried out with the assistance of the Quartet Special Envoy.
· The USSC will ensure continuing consultation, with unresolved implementation issues to be discussed as needed with the parties. The PA will ensure that the passages will be protected on the Palestinian side of the border and will train and upgrade the management of all crossings to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
· The PA will establish, without delay, a unified system of border management.
· The management system that has been developed for Karni should, with suitable local variations, be adapted to the passages at Erez and Kerem Shalom. Israel also undertakes to put in place similar arrangements as appropriate that will make West Bank passages fully operational as soon as possible. A bilateral committee, with participation as needed of the Quartet Special Envoy and/or the USSC, will develop operational procedures for those passages.

3. Link between Gaza and the West Bank
Israel will allow the passage of convoys to facilitate the movements of goods and persons.

Specifically:
· Establish bus convoys by December 15.
· Establish truck convoys by January 15.
· Work out detailed implementation arrangements in a bilateral committee of the GoI and PA with participation as needed from the Quartet team and the USSC.

It is understood that security is a prime and continuing concern for Israel and that appropriate arrangements to ensure security will be adopted.

4. Movement within the West Bank
Consistent with Israel's security needs, to facilitate movement of people and goods within the West Bank and to minimize disruption to Palestinian lives, the ongoing work between Israel and the U.S. to establish an agreed list of obstacles to movement and develop a plan to reduce them to the maximum extent possible will be accelerated so that the work can be completed by December 31.

5. Gaza Seaport
Construction of a seaport can commence. The GoI will undertake to assure donors that it will not interfere with operation of the port. The parties will establish a U.S.-led tripartite committee to develop security and other relevant arrangements for the port prior to its opening. The 3rd party model to be used at Rafah will provide the basis for this work.

6. Airport
The parties agree on the importance of the airport. Discussions will continue on the issues of security arrangements, construction, and operation."

UK International Development Committee on Development Assistance in the Opt

The International Development Committee, representing British Members of Parliament (MPs) from the three main parties (Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats), published on 31st January 2007
a report on Development Assistance and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

On fishing, the report quotes the Press Release of the World Food Programme - Gaza Economy on the Brink of Collapse - (dated 2 September 2006 - see posting below), which describes the present situation of fisheries in Gaza. The example of the Gaza greenhouse project and the unfulfilled potential this had, is described as an example of the fragility of the Palestinian economy under the current restrictions on movement and access.

The more news-worthy aspect of the report is the request to the European Union (EU) to ensure that Palestinian products are not being unfairly treated by Israel and the call for measures to be put in place to make the Association Agreement effective.

Most UK newspapers have discussed the report (FT, Guardian, Independent) as it advocates that the UK should urge the EU to use the Association Agreement with Israel as a lever for change and consider suspending the Agreement until there are further improvements in access arrangements.

As one of the first steps, the report highlights the need to implement the Agreement on Movement and Access signed in November 2005.

Although Parliamentary, the report does not necessarily affect British foreign policy directly. Still, it highlights the debates discussed at government level regarding the development assistance policy being implemented by the UK and other donors in the occupied Palestinian territory.

[Thanks to Claudia for analysis and information]

There is no more smell of fish

From the World Food Programme, Press Release, Gaza Economy on the Brink of Collapse, 2 September 2006:

"The Gazan economy is collapsing and there is no trust for the future, no investment and no hope...There is now a one-month stock of food in densely populated Gaza which relies on external food shipments through border checkpoints which have been periodically closed by Israel. Infrastructure is also crippled while industries which have formed the backbone of the territory's economy, mainly farming and fishing are in sharp decline. There is no more grain in the four major silos of the four major mills, and even if we are providing food to some of the needy in Gaza, that is 15-16% of the population, the trade has completely collapsed. Since June no fishing is allowed at all and in fact you come to the fishing port and there is no smell of fish. This puts out of work about 35,000 people who were living from the fishing industry." (bold letters mine)

Gaza fishermen

These are pictures found on the BBC website.

Gaza total fishing catch

Total fishing catch in tonnes month by month from June 2005 to November 2006 (p13)

Weekly report

Read in OCHA weekly report.

Gaza fishermen are permitted to fish up to 6 nautical miles off coastline.* The 6 nautical miles still fall short of the Bertini Commitment** benchmark of 12 nautical miles.

On 15 December 2006, the vessels of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired machine guns for 15 minutes at Palestinian fishing boats west of Gaza

*For information, under the Oslo Accords, Gaza Strip fishermen are entitled to fish 20 nautical miles off the central maritime zone of Gaza.
**The humanitarian commitments given by the Government of Israel to Ms Caroline Bertini, Personal Humanitarian Envoy of the UN Secretary General.

Increased violence and high rate of civilians casualties

This is the title of the latest OCHA situation reports on the Strip of Gaza...

Fisheries Data (marine and continental)

Source: the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics
Date: 25 November 2005

Fisheries and Aquatic Organisms:

Fish: Data indicate that the number of fish species is 297, distributed as 12 species of fresh water, in Jordan River and other inland water ponds, 186 species are ancient Mediterranean Sea fish and 16 species, migrated from the Red Sea via Suez Canal.

Marine mollusca: The number of species of marine mollusca in territorial water of Gaza Strip is 477 distributed as 177 species settled in the Mediterranean Sea and 300 species migrated from the Red Sea via the Sues canal.

Fisheries: Number of species of fish and marine organisms which are fishable in the territorial water of Gaza Strip is 30, and annual fishing average is 3,303 tones. However this number does not reflect the actual quantity or fish diversity of fisheries because of a delineated allowed area by Israeli occupation for fishing and other Israeli countermeasures.

Quick news

All employees of Palestinian Authority ministries on strike against the non payment of their monthly salaries over the last 6 months.

Gaza fishers continue to be prevented from access the sea since June, 25th.

FAO/UNDP appealing for support to vulnerable fishers in the Gaza Strip.

List of appeal projects for the occupied Palestinian territory by sector for 2006 with: Name of appealing agencies, project titles, funds required and (un)met.

FAO/UNDP appealing for support to vulnerable fishers in the Gaza Strip.

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.'

Gaza Marine Biodiversity

I've found this on the website of the Palestinian Ministry of Environmental Affairs (MENA). It is an overview of Gaza marine environment and biodiversity. It contains information on: Gaza physical environment, marine biodiversity, fish production, marine mammals and reptiles, marine flora, and on threats to marine biodiversity and impacts. It's dated 1996 but still, I find it interesting, for example to compare data over time. Fish production (in tonnes) is given per year starting from 1967. In relation to fish production, there are explanations for the increase and decrease, which are interesting to analyse data: "The large impact of the closing of the fishing grounds off the Sinai can be seen with the large drop in production after 1978. The next major decline, from 1984 to 1989 is thought to be the result of a further limiting of the area Palestinian fishers were allowed to fish by the Israelis. The next major jump from 1990 to 1993 is most likely the result of an increased level of effort (LOE). This period was the height of the intafada and marked by many long closures of the Israeli/ Gaza border. The result was that Palestinians who worked in Israel were forced to find alternative employment in Gaza and many returned to the fishery. The continuing relative high production from 1994 to present is due to the sustained higher LOE (due both to improved gear and sustained number of fishers)." Data are mostly taken from a CARE/Ma'an project.

Fishing paralysed for more than 50 days now

The fishing industry has been paralysed for more than 50 days now. Here assistance is requested to cover new shool year expenses. See posting below (" Humanitarian Appeal 2006") for assistance requested specifically to rehabilitate the fishing industry by FAO and UNDP.

From OCHA* latest situation report (6-24 August 2006):

" The fishing industry has been paralysed by the complete ban imposed by the IDF on fishing grounds off the Gaza Strip for over 50 days. On 14 August, the General Syndicate of Marine Fishers requested the assistance of the international community to support the needs of the fishermen and their families – there are almost 3,000 licensed fishermen in the Gaza Strip, most support sizeable families. Assistance was requested specifically in view of the new school year to cover the extra expense for clothes, stationary and other school-related needs."

* OCHA stands for Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations.

Humanitarian appeal 2006

The Food and Agriculture Organization (specialised agency of the United Nations) is appealing to donors for funding for fishers in the Gaza Strip. See description of project below:

Appealing agencies: FAO / UNDP

Issues addressed: During the second Intifada, fishers were prohibited from using the ports of Khan Yunis and in Rafah, resulting in a 30 percent drop in fish production and the loss of livelihoods for 850 fisher households. Most of their fishing boats and equipment were destroyed at the time.

Objectives: Help the most vulnerable fishers to restore and improve their livelihoods after disengagement through rehabilitation of fishing infrastructure and technical support.

Activities: Provision of production inputs to fishers to enable them to restore fishing activities. Rehabilitation and maintenance of boats.

Technical support to ensure high product quality and profitability, as well as aquatic ecological balance.

Beneficiaries: 850 fishers in Khan Yunis and Rafah.

Implementing partners: Ministry of Agriculture, NGOs, Cooperatives.

Duration: 12 months. Funds requested: US$3 000 000.

Fishers in Lebanon cannot access the sea

An article from the International Herald Tribune, by R.F. Worth. It is on Lebanese fishermen, some of whom are Palestinian refugees from 1948. It was published on August, 28th. I hesitated before posting it as it is not specifically on Gaza and as I don't know the situation of fishers in Lebanon. In the end I decided to put it on line, for information purposes. Below some extracts of the article:

"I am living on borrowed money."

Israeli blockade of Lebanese waters goes on, and its most direct victims are fishermen. They have been unable to put their boats out since the conflict began July 12.

For now, the 600 fishermen in Sidon are living mostly on handouts from the town and nonprofit groups. The fishermen say the aid is not enough to feed their families. The situation is the same, or worse, for the thousands of fishermen who work along Lebanon's coast, from Naqoura in the south to Tripoli in the north. Some have been reduced to begging.

Israel says it cannot lift the blockade until peacekeeping troops ensure that Lebanese ports are not used to import weapons for Hezbollah, the Shiite militia that battled Israel for more than a month.

Fouad Siniora, the current prime minister, appealed Wednesday to the United States for help in getting Israel to lift the blockade, without success.

About a quarter of the fishermen here are Palestinians, who generally live in poverty in refugee camps. Under Lebanese law, they are not allowed to own more than 49 percent of a fishing boat, or even to join fishermen's unions, so they are even more vulnerable than many others who fish for a living.

Sitting in his living room, Taher pointed to a black-and-white photograph of his grandfather, in a suit and tie, who was a judge in Haifa before the family fled north in 1948 when the state of Israel was created. As a younger son, he had few career options, and he took up fishing at 16.

"Yesterday we blew up inner tubes and put nets in them and floated them out from shore," Taher said in halting English. "Five men, and we sold our fish for 50,000 Lebanese pounds, 10,000 each." (Just under $7.)

He paused, then smiled. "Enough to buy some cigarettes," he said.

Implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access

Link to report on the implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access.

" The Rafah crossing has remained closed since 25 June for regular movement. (...) There is no indication as to when the crossing will reopen and no persons have been able to exit the Gaza Strip since 25 June.

The Karni crossing (...) was open for imports on all other scheduled working days although actual operating times varied between three and nine hours per day. No exported goods have crossed through Karni since 23 June.

The Erez crossing remains closed for Palestinian workers and traders since 12 March. (...)

The Kerem Shalom crossing has remained closed since 25 June, following an attack by Palestinian militants on an IDF observation post.

The Sufa crossing has remained closed since 21 June, due to a reported security alert by the IDF.

The deadline for the introduction of truck convoys between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as agreed in the AMA, passed on 15 January. Discussions about the possibility of bus convoys have not resumed.

The GoI has not provided the assurance to donors that it will not interfere with the operation of the Gaza Strip seaport.

There have been no discussions on the Gaza Strip airport during the reporting period."

The text of the Agreement has been posted below to facilitate comparison.

The Agreement on Movement and Access

Israel and the Palestinian Authority have reached an agreement on the Gaza Strip border crossings on 15 November 2005. Below the Text of the Agreement on Movement and Acess:


To promote peaceful economic development and improve the humanitarian situation on the ground, the following agreement has been reached. It represents the commitments of the Government of Israel (GoI) and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Its implementation and further elaboration will be assisted by the Quartet Special Envoy for Disengagement and his staff and/or the United States Security Coordinator (USSC) and his staff.

1. Rafah
The parties have agreed to the attached statement of principles. Rafah will be opened as soon as it is ready to operate at an international standard in accordance with the specifications of this agreement and as soon as the 3rd party is on site, with a target date of November 25.

2. Crossing Points
The parties have agreed that: The passages will operate continuously. On an urgent basis, Israel will permit the export of all agricultural products from Gaza during this 2005 harvest season. The new and additional scanner will be installed and fully operational by December 31. At that time, the number of export trucks per day to be processed through Karni will reach 150, and 400 by end-2006. A common management system will be adopted by both parties. In addition to the number of trucks above, Israel will permit export of agricultural produce from Gaza and will facilitate its speedy exit and onward movement so that quality and freshness can be maintained. Israel will ensure the continued opportunity to export. To enhance operation, the parties agree that:
When a new generation of x-ray equipment able to scan trailers as well as containers becomes available it will be used. Once it arrives in the country, testing will also be carried out with the assistance of the Quartet Special Envoy.
The USSC will ensure continuing consultation, with unresolved implementation issues to be discussed as needed with the parties. The PA will ensure that the passages will be protected on the Palestinian side of the border and will train and upgrade the management of all crossings to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
The PA will establish, without delay, a unified system of border management.
The management system that has been developed for Karni should, with suitable local variations, be adapted to the passages at Erez and Kerem Shalom. Israel also undertakes to put in place similar arrangements as appropriate that will make West Bank passages fully operational as soon as possible. A bilateral committee, with participation as needed of the Quartet Special Envoy and/or the USSC, will develop operational procedures for those passages.

3. Link between Gaza and the West Bank
Israel will allow the passage of convoys to facilitate the movements of goods and persons. Specifically:
Establish bus convoys by December 15.
Establish truck convoys by January 15.
Work out detailed implementation arrangements in a bilateral committee of the GoI and PA with participation as needed from the Quartet team and the USSC. It is understood that security is a prime and continuing concern for Israel and that appropriate arrangements to ensure security will be adopted.

4. Movement within the West Bank
Consistent with Israel's security needs, to facilitate movement of people and goods within the West Bank and to minimize disruption to Palestinian lives, the ongoing work between Israel and the U.S. to establish an agreed list of obstacles to movement and develop a plan to reduce them to the maximum extent possible will be accelerated so that the work can be completed by December 31.

5. Gaza Seaport
Construction of a seaport can commence. The GoI will undertake to assure donors that it will not interfere with operation of the port. The parties will establish a U.S.-led tripartite committee to develop security and other relevant arrangements for the port prior to its opening. The 3rd party model to be used at Rafah will provide the basis for this work.

6. Airport
The parties agree on the importance of the airport. Discussions will continue on the issues of security arrangements, construction, and operation.

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

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.

Disproportionate use of force, UN Emergency Coordinator says

Fishers still can't access the sea. UN Emergency Coordinator condemns Israel's disproportinate use of force, as 22 Palestinians were killed and 67 injured in the last 36 hours in the Strip of Gaza.

Fishers unable to access the sea since 25 June

Fishers unable to access the sea since 25 June - which also means that there is no fish for sale on the local market and that people dependent on fishing for their living have no money to bring home.

Click on link for further information on the situation in the Gaza Strip. The information is dated 18 July 2006 and provided by OCHA.

Gaza Strip Humanitarian Report

Latest OCHA Humanitarian Update dated July, 12 2006. OCHA (United Nations Agency) aims to improve the humanitarian situation by enhancing coordination between agencies to ensure effective distribution of humanitarian assistance. It also enhances coordination and decision making through its dissemination of humanitarian information and analysis of facts.

Gaza fishers grounded

Fishing fleet forced back to the shore. below an extract of the article written by By DIAA HADID, Associated Press Writer:

"Israel, which maintained control of Gaza's coast even after its pullout last year, sealed off the sea with naval gunboats after a soldier was captured in a June 25 militant raid on an army post.
The army says the coastal closure is crucial to stopping the militants from smuggling the soldier into nearby Egypt by boat.
It has also stranded about 3,000 Palestinian fisherman on shore for 10 days, costing the local economy $250,000 in losses, said Tarek Saker, director general of fisheries at the Palestinian Agriculture Ministry.
With about 43 percent of the Palestinian population living in poverty and unemployment at 23 percent, every fish caught counts. The fishing industry supports tens of thousands of workers, from the fishermen to those who make the nets and fix the boats, Saker said.
The industry became even more important to Gaza's economy earlier this year, when Israel and the West started an international boycott of the Hamas-led Palestinian government, which has left 165,000 civil servants without salaries since April.
Before Israeli-Palestinian fighting broke out in 2000, fishing accounted for almost 7 percent of agricultural output, said Saker. But last year, Palestinian fishermen caught half as much as they did in 1999 — largely because of the Israeli restrictions.
"When the fishing season is at its peak, this is the people's food and they eat fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner," Saker said."

Statement by the United Nations Agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territory

UN Agencies Statement containing details on the situation in Gaza and calling for the Government of Israel to restore and maintain the supply of fuel to Gaza, to replace the destroyed equipment at the Gaza power plant, to ensure the passage of food and essential supplies at Karni commercial crossing and to lift the restrictions on movement and access to Gaza for UN agencies.

Profile: Gaza Strip

"The Gaza Strip is a narrow piece of land along the Mediterranean coast between Israel and Egypt. Just 40km long and 10km wide, it is home to more than 1.4m Palestinians"

BBC article dated 27 June 2006 describing Gaza. The article, which does not go into details (no mention of fisheries) gives a good (and short) account of Gaza history, its population centres, refugee camps, borders, entry/exit points, militant activity and the former settlement zone.

Gaza Beach Donkey

a photo provided by Greg (thanks!) showing Gaza beach donkeys. Fishers put fish on donkeys and go to the auctioneer (middleperson) who then sells the fish to merchants, shops, restaurants. Fish price is set by the auctioneer. Every fish landed has to be sold to him. He buys his licence 300 000 US dollar a year to the Palestinian Authority. And he charges fishers 5% of value of catch and fish merchants 3%, giving a total of 8%.

International assistance - news

Aid plan to the occupied Palestinian territory: Donors - Europeans first - say they want to avert a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory (see BBC article). The EU and US cut off funding after Hamas came to power earlier this year. Their focus for funding would be on local health services and provision of basic needs to poor Palestinians (not through the Hamas led government though).

In another move, the United Nations agency that provides relief for the Palestinians, UNRWA, began distributing emergency food aid to an additional 90,000 Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA now provides food aid for 725,000 Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip alone.

Humaritarian Update

Latest OCHA situation report on the Gaza Strip, dated 7 June 2006. To be noted:

• Continued disproportinate balance between imports and exports of goods in and out of Gaza resulting in large export revenue losses.
• Total losses from produce harvested in the greenhouses previously used by settlers now exceed US$9.5 million. (these greenhouses were expected to be a source of revenue for the Strip)
• Continuing closure at Erez crossing (used for Palestinian workers and traders).
• Non payment of Palestinian Authority salaries.
• Internal violence.
• External violence (IDF artillery shelling continues in particular into the north and northeastern areas of the Gaza Strip).
• UN staff members facing problems coming in and out of the Gaza Strip. These Israeli restrictions come at a time when the international community is looking for UN agencies for increased resources and operations in response to the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinan territory.

More in the OCHA report.

The Launch of a Palestinian Shippers Council

The Palestinian Shippers' Council (PSC) was launched on April, 11th. The role of Shippers Councils is to protect and promote the interests of its members on matters relating to transportation. Trade being so crucial (and subject to restrictions) for Palestinians, this seems like an interesting initiative.

The PSC sees as part of its achievements:

• The free storage days for Palestinian goods at ports were extended from four to six days; as of 1st of April 2006.
• Laws, regulations, and procedures applicable to Palestinian imports and exports are being disseminated by PSC to the Palestinian shippers.
  PSC established itself as a focal point for regional port authorities and various Palestinian institutions.
• The PSC has launched its institutional website at (www.psc.ps)

More on their website.

OCHA Situation report on Gaza

Dated 3 May 2006, the report covers situation on access to and out of Gaza for goods and people.

OCHA-oPt March Access Report

The latest OCHA information report (12 April) from the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) on access to the Gaza Strip. The different points of access to the Strip of Gaza include:

• Karni crossing, for commercial goods
• Kerem Shalom crossing at the Gaza-Israel-Egyptian border, new crossing I think
• Erez crossing for Palestinian workers and traders into Israel
• Rafah crossing for Gazans travelling overseas
• Sufa crossing, once operating for Palestinians going to work on farms in the south of Israel
• Coastal area - fishing is permitted up to 6-10 nautical miles off the coast (Under the Oslo Accords, fishers are entitled to fish 20 nautical miles from the coast).
• Airport - closed since the second Intifada in late September 2000.

(See the report for more information) - To be noted:

As of 12 April, Karni crossing has been closed 53 days in 2006 (57% of 2006) - paralysing the Gaza export and import market.

The compagny responsible for the cultivation of agriculture produce in the former settlement areas now has losses in 2006 exceeding $6.4m. - worth noting, as it was thought this could become an important industry in Gaza.

8 confirmed cases of avian flu among poultry and ducks in the Gaza Strip leading to the culling of 250,000 livestock and to a food crisis.

Humanitarian assistance originating from Egypt (through Kerem Shalom)

Net closes in on Gaza fisherman

"Unable to afford the rising prices of lamb, beef and flour in their sealed-off coastal strip, Palestinians crowd their markets in search of fish. Now that poultry supplies are depleted by the threat of bird flu, the clamour for fish is even greater..." A Times article dated 6 April 2006

Avian influenza has amplified fishing sector crisis in Gaza

Avian influenza and the Karni closure have put more pressure on the Gaza Strip fishing sector, as Gazans are looking for other sources of proteins than chicken. Yet, the fishing sector is unable to meet the demand, as the 330 square meter fishing grounds permitted by the occupying power are overfished. According to the Palestinian National Authority Department of Fisheries, the local production has halved from 8MT/day in 2005 to 4.2 MT/day in March 2006. Also due to limits on fishing area, fishers are reported to fish close to the shore where the fish come in to spawn and to use small sized fish nets resulting in 400 kg of bycatch a day (fish are then dumped as they are too small to be marketed). Further the closure of Karni crossing, the commercial crossing for products to come in and out of Gaza, have made people even more dependent on the local production, which already was not meeting the demand. And the shortage of fish have resulted in price increase: the price of sardines (most of the production and the only fish the poor can afford) has doubled from 15NIS/kg in Jan 2006 to 30NIS at the end of March. (sources: World Food Programme, 1st April 2006)

Coastal area, seaport and airport

OCHA 8 March report reads that:

Following the elections in the occupied Palestinian territory, the Israeli government has stopped talks with the Palestinian Authority (PA) on the construction of a seaport in the Gaza Strip. Yet, the 15 November Agreement stated that the construction could commence.

The Israeli government has also cut off talks with the PA on the issue of operating an airport in Gaza following the elections.

Regarding fishing catch, OCHA reports that in Februray 2006, it was higher (58 tonnes) than the previous month but lower than the catch in February 2000, 2004 and 2005.

Since January 2005, the Israeli authorities have permitted Palestinian fishing up to 10 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip coastline compared to six nautical miles previously. Unde the Oslo Agreement, fishermen are entitled to fish 20 nautical miles from the coast. Palestinian fishing is prohibited one nautical mile north of the border with Egypt and one and a half nautical miles south of the border with Israel.

(See my March 17th posting for a similar yet a bit different account on 'permitted' fishing area)

Artistitic work on Gaza food shortage due to Karni crossing closure

by Palestinian artists Raaof Haj Yahia and Ali Batha.

Karni crossing opened but not fully operating

A press release by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) dated 22 March 2006 highlighting that:

• Karni crossing has re-opened but is not fully operating, therefore not letting sufficient food aid in
• There is a lack of fuel to distribute the food that comes in

As a reminder, here are some data which I had already typed down in my January 27th posting:

• More than 1.4 million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip.
• 90% of the population are refugees.
• Some 65 to 75 per cent of Gazans are impoverished (compared to 30 per cent in 2000); many are hungry.
• About 42 per cent of Gazans are categorised by the World Food Programme (WFP) as 'food insecure'; in five areas of Gaza, the figure exceeds 50 per cent. An additional 30 per cent of the population is 'food vulnerable', i.e. under threat of becoming food insecure or malnourished.
• According to the World Bank, Palestinians are currently experiencing the worst economic depression in modern history, caused primarily by the long-standing Israeli restrictions that have dramatically reduced Gaza's levels of trade and virtually cut off its labour force from their jobs inside Israel.

Gaza Strip situation report 23 March 2006

The latest OCHA update on access to the Gaza Strip.

To follow up on access and closures to the Gaza Strip, OCHA website is a good place to go.

Commercial point of access between Gaza and Israel closed

Primary point for passage of goods between Gaza and Israel closed since February 12 despite the Access and Movement agreement brokered between Israel and the Palestinian Authority by the Quartet and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on 15 November 2005. See OCHA update dated 19 March.

Fishers facing tight squeeze

From the International Middle East media Centre (IMEMC). The media centre is a collaboration between Palestinian and International journalists to provide an English language media coverage of Israel-Palestine.

Wednesday 8 March 2006

"Fisherman have also faced a tight squeeze due to Israeli security forces controlling where and when they can fish, creating an arbitrary 'line in the sea', and enforcing it at will, firing at fishermen when they enter the sea to fish out of their small boats.

Director of the marine department in the agriculture Ministry, Mr. Tariq Saqer, said that fishing contributes 2% to the Palestinian national income, although it previously contributed much more.

Now, due to Israeli naval forces firing arbitrarily at fishermen, they are afraid to venture outside of a two-square mile area of coast, a tiny patch that is completely insufficient to provide the fish necessary to maintain their livelihood.

The United Nations and various human rights groups have condemned the Israeli closure and economic and military control of the Gaza Strip, saying that the current closure is causing a severe food crisis in Gaza."

The beginning of the IMEMC article speaks about the financial catastrophe of the Gush Katif greenhouses - transferred to the Palestinian Administration as a gift - due to Israeli closing of the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip since February 12. This shows that at the moment fishing is still the only real industry in the Strip of Gaza. But most importantly the closing of the Karni crossing, the commercial crossing for Gaza, is likely to lead to a humanitarian crisis in the Strip: flour stocks are finished as well as other basic food commodities.

How Palestinians feel about election results: a public opinion poll

What would bring a people, the most secular of Arab populations with little history of religious fundamentalism, to vote Hamas?

The Jerusalem Media & Communication Centre (JMCC) has conducted a public opinion poll on Palestinian attitudes towards the results of the elections held on January 25, 2006.

1,200 people were surveyed throughout the West Bank (760 people) and the Strip of Gaza (440 people). Respondents surveyed from the Strip of Gaza came from in and around Gaza, Khan Younis, Rafah and deir al Balah. The average age of the respondents was 34 years and respondents included fishermen.

As a reminder, in the New Parliament, Hamas won 30 seats from national lists and 46 seats from election districts, i.e. 76 seats out of 132.

I've written below some of the results obtained from the poll in the Gaza Strip to get a feel of how Gazans approached the elections.

Number of respondents in the Gaza Strip= 440

Did the elections results meet your expections?

Met my expectations: 26.1
Somewhat met my expectations: 31.8
Did not meet my expectations: 40.9
No answer: 1.2

Given the elections results, to what extent you say that the elected members represent your point of view?

Represent my point of view: 32.7
Represent my point of view to a certain extent: 40.2
Do not represent my point of view: 24.8
No answer: 2.3

In general, how do you evaluate the performance of the previous Palestinian Legislative Council?

Very good: 3.2
Good: 20.7
Bad: 39.8
Very bad: 34.5
No answer: 1.8

What is the government structure you hope to see after the Palestinian Legislative Council elections?

National Coalition: 55.5
Hamas Government: 23.4
Technocrat Government: 16.1
No answer: 5.0

The Palestinian Authority is committed to the option of political negotiations with Israel. Do you believe that the new government headed by Hamas has to continue with the political negotiations, stop the political negotiations and should adopt other options?

To continue with the political negotiations: 63.2
Stop the political negotiations: 33.9
No answer: 2.9

If you voted for Hamas , why so?*This question was asked who said that they voted for Hamas

Religious Factors: 18.9
Hope to end the Corruption: 47.6
Hope to live in better living conditions: 7.9
For their political agenda: 11.0
To stop Fateh's control over the government: 5.3
Others: 3.5
No answer: 5.8

Regardless of whom you voted for, why do you think most People voted for them?

Religious Factors: 11.6
Hope to end the Corruption: 51.4
Hope to live in a better living conditions: 18.4
For their political agenda: 5.5
To stop Fateh's control over the government: 9.8
Others: 2.3
No answer: 1.0

International assistance

(Personal research work)

There are two main agencies which have provided assistance to the fisheries sector in the Strip of Gaza. These are the Danish International Development Agency, DANIDA, and CARE International, an international non governmental relief and development organisation.

DANIDA Gaza fisheries sector

DANIDA has provided support to the Gaza fisheries sector since 1996 via the Gaza fisheries project. The Gaza fisheries project lasted four years with a budget of DKK 19 million. It was followed by a consolidation phase, which started in 2000 and had a DKK 6 million budget. The consolidation phase which was meant to last 18 months was delayed due to the political situation. The consolidation phase is now closing with the construction of the Hauling Launching System slip way.

The objective of the DANIDA Gaza fisheries sector was to support the development of the fisheries sector in Gaza through the training and capacity enhancement of the Directorate of Fisheries with a focus on fisheries management, fisheries research and data collection, and general management and administration. Major activities of the project included: Assisting the Directorate of Fisheries in promoting cooperation with the Fishermen’s Association and Cooperative; Assisting Directorate of Fisheries staff in developing biological sampling and data collection; Facilitating the construction of a Hauling Launching System in the port of Gaza; Assisting Directorate of Fisheries in developing management skills, etc. Due to difficult situation, halted activities and closures, activities relating to data collection and inspection severely suffered during the project implementation and consolidation phase.

Following the outbreak of the Intifada (2000) which resulted in high poverty rates amongst fishermen’s households, DANIDA also started a fisherwomen’s Association project. The project was completed in 2004.

CARE International Gaza Fisheries Conservation and Development Project

CARE International implemented in collaboration with the American Near East Refugee Aid organization the Gaza Fisheries Conservation and Development Project during the period 1997 - 1999. The main components of the project funded by IFAD were:

• Strengthening the managerial capacity of the Fisherman’s Cooperative;
• Establishment of a savings fund for fisherman in Gaza;
• Provision of training to fisherman, cooperative staff and Ministry of Agriculture Staff in ways and means of conserving and developing the fishing sector in Gaza;
• Establishing women’s solidarity groups and assisting them to develop community-managed savings and loan facilities.
  

The project also included a sector review of fisheries in Gaza and a number of concept papers for the undertaking additional initiatives, including for the development of an artificial reef in Gaza to increase the productivity of fisheries.

International Management Group

The European Commission International Management Group has recently assessed the feasibility of rehabilitating the fishery shelter in Gaza (to make it a port) and the social impact the rehabilitation of the shelter would have on fishers. What is causing problem with the current shelter in Gaza is: i) its design - in its current state, the shelter is creating environmental problems with 650, 000 tonnes of sand coming in each year - and ii) fish catches decrease due to Israeli fishing restrictions (permitted fishing area: 10 nautical mile from coastline). Regarding catch decrease, Seamus Dunne from the International Management Group, recommends developing artificial reefs and mariculture. The report has been submitted to the European Commission for funding and to the Palestinian Authority for agreement.

Future assistance? This is currently THE question. What will be the relationship between the new leadership and the international community? Will the international donor community cut off aid?

Trade and Movement

(Personal research work)

Without trade the Gazan fisheries sector cannot develop.

The main commercial point for products in and out of Gaza is Karni (Almentar in Arabic) checkpoint. Export figures show that for one ‘Palestinian’ container out, four ‘Israeli’ containers come in – indicating a net transfer in favour of Israelis. Two months after the completion of unilateral Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip, an agreement was reached on 15 November 2005 between the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The Agreement set an export target of 150 truckloads a day by the end of 2005. OCHA reports that in December 2005, 48 truckloads of goods left from Gaza, a figure well below the export target set in the 15 November Agreement.

Major hindrances to fish exports are:

• the stringent checks truckloads have to go through at the Karni check point to meet Israeli security concerns which make it difficult to export fresh fish, a very perishable good;
• the back to back loading system, by which goods are unloaded from one truck and reloaded onto another truck at the checkpoint;
• the lack of market outside Israel. No fish marketing is allowed from Gaza to the West Bank and the Jordan markets – where there is a high demand for fish;

and also,

• the unavailability of fish inspectors at the check point outside regular office hours;
• the lack of equipment and modern storage facilities for importing and exporting fish.

Another impediment is that Israeli imports into Gaza have precedence over Palestinian exports out of Gaza. OCHA reports that 22 of the 31 import and export channels at Karni are either exclusively for Israeli imports or with Israeli priority where dual passage occurs. This is in breach of the Paris protocol agreement that affirms the equality of treatment for Palestinian and Israeli goods. Presently Israel exports 1,300 tonnes of frozen fish and 900 tonnes of fresh fish into Gaza a year – mostly species not consumed in Israeli markets due to local dietary practices. It is estimated that an additional 800 tonnes of high value fish not accounted for in Palestinian statistics are sold a year to Israeli merchants waiting at some 10-15 kms off the coast of Gaza with the blessing of the IDF (Israeli Defence Force).

Trading fish by air is not an option, as air traffic out of Gaza is prohibited. By sea? Access to Gaza by sea is denied. As for the sea port in the Gaza Strip, its future is still uncertain. The 15 November Agreement stated that the construction of a seaport can commence but is not expected to be operational within two years. The importance of a port at Gaza to the Palestinian economy was agreed on by both sides at Oslo, as being necessary for the development of free foreign trade with other countries in the world. The work which began in August 2000, with European donors’ funds, was stopped after the outbreak of the Al Aqsa Intifada in October of that year because of the political and military situation. Now the sea port, better described as a shelter, needs rehabilitation. It is silting over with 650,000 tonnes of sand coming in each year. Seamus Dunne, Senior Social Development Officer for the International Management Group, a body working with the European Commission (DG Development) says a rehabilitated sea port would offer: better security (at the moment there are a lot of accidents walking to boats); better equipment and modern storage facilities for importing and exporting fish (provided that Israeli restrictions on trade are lifted), and; an additional 9 kms to fish. (to be continued)

Election poll day in Gaza

An article on election poll day in the Gaza Strip highlighting: the party-like atmosphere at the polling stations, the voices of the people against occupation and corruption and the popular support for Hamas - born in Gaza. According to the author of the article, Eóin Murray: "Certainly anyone who has ever been to the Gaza Strip and witnessed Israeli human rights violations and the chaos on the streets because of the collapse of law and order is not shocked at a good showing by Hamas".

'Occupation' and 'collapse of law and order' reminded me to put the following figures:

• More than 1.4 million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip.
• 90% of the population are refugees.
• Gaza has the highest birth-rate in the region – 5.5 to 6.0 children per woman.
• Eighty per cent of the population is under 50; 50 per cent is 15 years old or younger.
• Access to healthcare and education is rapidly declining.
• The half of the territory in which the population is concentrated has one of the highest densities in the world.
• Levels of unemployment are of 35 to 40 per cent.
• Some 65 to 75 per cent of Gazans are impoverished (compared to 30 per cent in 2000); many are hungry.
• About 42 per cent of Gazans are categorised by the World Food Programme (WFP) as 'food insecure'; in five areas of Gaza, the figure exceeds 50 per cent. An additional 30 per cent of the population is 'food vulnerable', i.e. under threat of becoming food insecure or malnourished.
• According to the World Bank, Palestinians are currently experiencing the worst economic depression in modern history, caused primarily by the long-standing Israeli restrictions that have dramatically reduced Gaza's levels of trade and virtually cut off its labour force from their jobs inside Israel.

The question is now: What comes next? What will be the relationship between the new leadership and the international community? Will violence excalate? Will the international donor community cut off aid? What will happen to Gaza?

Palestinian Fishing after the Disengagement

(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).

OCHA stands for Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - It is a United Nations agency whose mandate is inter alia to coordinate humanitarian response. On the OCHA Humanitarian Update Nov Dec 2005 link, you will find a map of access for Palestinian fishing dated November 2005 (p7) as well as maps of Gaza prior and post disengagement - practical to see where the Gush Katif settlement was. (personal research work posting to be continued)

Israel's sea access restrictions threaten the sustainability of fish stocks off the coast of the Gaza Strip

(Personal research work)

Israel's restrictions on sea access have led to the over-fishing of accessible stocks off the coast of Gaza. Under the Oslo Accords, Gaza Strip fishers are entitled to fish 20 nautical miles off the zone L coastline of the Gaza Strip, that is the central maritime zone of Gaza. In 2000, after the second Intifada, fishing in zone L was restricted to 6 nautical miles, resulting in a further reduction of the fishing zone for approximately the same number of boats (trawlers, purse seines and small boats). The consequences of this excessive fishing effort are: the degradation of fishery resources, the dissipation of food production potential and economic waste.

Fishers have been reported to use smaller mesh size nets resulting in the catching of young/undersized fish which will not reach maturity and thus will not replenish the seacoast and are not even be marketable. Half a tonne of fish a day is dumped because fish are too small or non marketable. Also, it seems that Palestinian fishers have started fishing breeding grounds. In the face of this, the Fisheries Directorate in Gaza is hand tied, as it does not have the capacity to implement regulations. Further fisheries management practices are few (but do exist, e.g. closing fishing season, withdrawal of small fish specimen on the fish market) and regulations are inadequate.

In 2003, the annual catch was 1,083 metric tons, mostly sardines, followed by mackerel, swimming crab, cuttlefish, horse mackerel, prawns and little tunny (sources: Palestinian National Authority Ministry of Agriculture). This represents a considerable decrease compared to 2002 when annual catch was 2,379 metric tons (sources: Food and Agriculture Organization, Fishstats). Seamus Dunne, Senior Social Development Officer for the International Management Group, a body working with the European Commission (DG Development) says that estimates taken from 5 years pre Intifada and 5 years post Intifada show that fish catches decrease 2,38 tonnes/day along the coast of Gaza Strip. At this rate, the fishing industry in Gaza has little left to live.

In the meantime, foreign flagged boats are said to be operating off the coast of Gaza reducing even further the social and economic opportunities the sea offers to Palestinians.

Has the disengagement from Gaza changed anything? To be continued

The 1993 Oslo Accords leading up to the Overfishing of Accessible Fishing Stocks off the Coast of Gaza

(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, 24^th until October, 8^th, 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.

Fishing aside, there is no real industry in Gaza

(Personal research work)

Fishing has a long tradition in Palestine with fishers operating from Haifa (now Israel) to Port Saïd (Egypt). In 1948, following the tragedy of Palestine, the Nakba, many Palestinian communities were forced to flee the coastal areas between Haifa and Jaffa and took refuge southwards in the Gaza Strip. The displaced Palestinians who lived off fishing continued to do so, joining the fishing population of the Strip. Nowadays, there are 2,500 fishers in the Strip of Gaza and a further 2,500 people employed in the fishing industry (e.g. fish marketing, boat services, boat repair and maintenance). Out of the 1,4 million Palestinians living in the Strip, it is estimated that approximately 35,000 people rely on the fishing industry as a source of income or food.

The fisheries sector is relatively small compared to the major fisheries of neighbouring countries. But for the economy of Gaza, which has a high unemployment rate and suffers severe shortage of job opportunities, the fisheries sector is a significant source of employment and is an important source of high protein food. Fishing aside, there is no other real industry in Gaza. The hothouses, transferred as a gift to the Palestinian Administration, still have to prove their economic viability. There is doubt whether the export of their produce abroad by the Palestinians will succeed, as they do not enjoy the special privileges settlers had in terms of water use and border crossings.

Fishing activities along the Gaza Strip are carried out in four main fishing sites: Gaza City, where most fishers are, Deir El Balah, Khan Yunis and Rafah which altogether count around 1,100 fishers. Since 1967, the year Israel occupied the Strip, fishing activities became severely controlled and restricted. to be continued. (Email me for bibliographical references)

Safety Net for Palestinian Fishermen

A baseline survey by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), dated September November 2004, noted that fishermen (65 percent) are highly dependent on fishing as their main source of income. 25 percent rely on external aid and charity as their main source of income. External aid and charity constitute the majority of their secondary and tertiary source of income (representing 86 percent and 77 percent respectively).

The WFP press release attached here (click on title) was published on August, 3 2004. It refers amongst other things to the WFP provision of food aid to fishermen; a safety net to help them cope with the crisis. “This is a category of people who have lost everything and are very food insecure".

Disengagement’ Affords Some Relief for Gaza Fishing Enclave

"When the settlers were here, I was prevented from fishing (...) The situation is a lot better but we are still forbidden from using boats, so the fishing is tough".

Written approximately a month after Israel's disengagement from Gaza, Jon Elmer's article published in The New Standard on 14th October 2005 points to: i) the restrictions on the freedom of goods (and movement) between the Gaza Strip and Israel, through the back to back transportation system (by which goods are unloaded from one truck at the checkpoint and reloaded onto another truck on the other side), resulting in spoiled produce (fresh fish cannot wait at chekpoints!) or inflated prices for merchandise; ii) the lack of free passage of goods from the Strip of Gaza to the outside world, that is the lack of export markets on which fishers are dependent for their survival, and; iii) the continuous restrictions on Palestinian boats in the sea off Al Mawasi (the Gaza Fishing Enclave the article focuses on). Unless these restrictions are overhauled, the disengagement will have little effect on Gazan fishermen' livelihood and the local economy.