Israeli Aggression Against Palestinian Fishermen, 22 July 2001

Palestinian fishermen suffered from the restrictions on their work for a long time.
Their situation became even worse during the last ten months.
The unemployment rate is very high among them because they are not allowed in sea by the Israeli forces.
They needed the support of the PA so that the fishing sector does not collapse.
attended by 70 persons Guest speakers Mr.
Tariq Saqr, General Director of the Fishing Department in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr.
As-Sayid Sha,ban, Lnt Colonel in the Palestinian Marine Police.
Mr.
Haydar al-Quqa, Head of the Fishermen Union in Gaza.
Summary of issues raised by the public
Participants raised the following main points: Fishermen conditions have been deteriorating since the beginning of the uprising.
They suffer from high levels of unemployment.
Even when they are allowed to enter the sea and work, fishermen face Israeli harassment.
They fear being arrested, ordered to leave the sea, and being shot.
The three guests are required to help fishermen and fishing industry in Gaza.
Fishermen do not benefit from social services or pension.
They demand that the Ministry create a special fund for these purposes.
The Palestinian Marine Police allow fishermen to enter the haven at specific time of the day.
This affects their work negatively.
The Ministry's supervised job creation projects are unjust.
Some of the jobs are given to people who are not fishermen.
Gaza Municipality does not provide the fishermen's community with any services even though they collect considerable fees from them.
Summary of answers given by the guest speakers
Guest speakers discussed the following points: Israeli aggression against fishermen has increased; however, the PA is not able to cope with it because contacts with them have stopped.
The guests understand the bad conditions fishermen have been living under recently and they are willing to help.
The Haven closes due to security reasons; however, the Police representative will discuss the issue with his superiors.
There should be more coordination between the Ministry and the Union concerning creating jobs for unemployed fishermen.
The Ministry welcomes creating a special social security fund for retired fishermen.
It is important that fishermen report all forms of Israeli harassment at sea.
Most of them fear telling the Palestinian Police or the Ministry what happens to them, so no one can help them.
The Ministry will contact Gaza Municipality and ask it to help fishermen.