Israeli Attacks on Fishermen in the Gaza Sea[1]

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) documented 92 attacks launched by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) against Palestinian fishermen in the first half of this year, including 54 incidents in which the IOF fired at fishermen and 16 incidents that led to the arrest of 43 fishermen, in addition to 18 incidents in which boats were confiscated and 4 incidents of damaging and confiscating fishing equipment.  In this fact sheet,[2] which covers the period from 01-30 June 2012, PCHR documented 38 violations perpetrated by the IOF against Palestinian fishermen, including 23 incidents in which the IOF fired at fishermen.  In addition, the IOF arrested 13 fishermen in 4 incidents and confiscated 7 fishing boats and equipment.

Violation of the Right to Life and Security of Person

Israel’s attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, especially the right to life and security of the person, in accordance with Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the State of Israel is a party.  The IOF perpetrated violations against Palestinian fishermen in the sea, when these fishermen did not pose any threat to Israeli naval troops.  The fishermen were practicing their right to work and seeking their livelihood within the territorial waters of the Gaza Strip when the IOF indiscriminately fired at them.

First: Firing at Fishing Boats in the Gaza Strip Waters

During the reporting period, PCHR documented 23 cases in which IOF fired at Palestinian fishermen in the sea off the Gaza shore, though no injuries were reported.  These attacks took place within the 3 nautical miles allowed for fishermen to sail and fish in.  PCHR also noticed that these firing incidents against fishermen and their boats took place in the context of seeking their livelihood, and the imposition of more restrictions to terrify and prevent the fishermen from practicing their work freely.

Second: Arresting Fishermen and Confiscating Fishing Tools

During the reporting period, PCHR documented 4 incidents in which IOF arrested 13 Palestinian fishermen, including a 17-year-old boy, confiscated 7 fishing boats and damaged 4 fishing equipment.

Arresting Fishermen

At approximately 00:00 on 06 June 2012, the IOF's gunboats surrounded 3 fishing boats with 3 fishermen on board off Rafah shore in the southern Gaza Strip.  The fishermen are: Mohammed Mohammed Ibrahim al-Bardaweel (23); his brother Isma'il (19); and Sami 'Adnan Ibrahim al-Nada (17), all from al-Mawasi area in Rafah.  The IOF transported them to the Ashdod Seaport, and they were released at 17:00 on the same day.

At approximately 22:00 on 12 June 2012, Israeli naval troops arrested Mohammed 'Aziz Radwan Bakr (19) and Mahmoud 'Aziz Radwan Bakr (22), when they were sailing 2 nautical miles off Rafah shore.  They were both transported to the Ashdod Seaport, and were released at approximately 13:30 on 13 June 2012.

At approximately 22:00 on 17 June 2012, the IOF deployed in the sea off al-Sudaniya shore in the northern Gaza Strip arrested Mohammed Sobhi Sa'dallah (25) and Ashraf Sobhi Sa'dallah (30), both from the Jabalya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

At approximately 20:00 on 20 June 2012, the IOF deployed off al-Waha Resort northwest of Beit Lahia surrounded 3 fishing boats with 6 fishermen on board.  The IOF transported the fishermen to the Ashdod Seaport.  The fishermen, who are from Jabalya refugee camp, were identified as: Fadel Saleh Abu Warda (31); Hatem Saleh Abu Warda (40); Mohammed Matar Khella (50); Mahmoud Mohammed Abu Warda (20); Abed Sobhi Sa'dallah (20); and No'man Ibrahim al-Sersek (18).  At approximately 19:30, they were released after being questioned by the IOF.

Confiscation of Fishing Boats

PCHR has followed up on Israel’s violations against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip sea, particularly the confiscation of fishing boats.  During the reporting period, 3 incidents took place in which the IOF confiscated 7 fishing boats.

At approximately 00:00 on 06 June 2012, the IOF confiscated 3 fishing boats belonging to Mohammed Mohammed Ibrahim al-Bardaweel (23) and his brother Isma'il (19), from al-Mawasi area in the west of Rafah, which had been sailing off Rafah shore in the southern Gaza Strip.

At approximately 22:00 on 06 June 2012, the IOF confiscated the boat of 'Aziz Radwan Bakr (50), which had been sailing off Rafah shore in the southern Gaza Strip.

At approximately 20:00 on 20 June 2012, the IOF confiscated 3 fishing boats belonging to a number of fishermen, which had been sailing off al-Waha Resort shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.

Damage and Confiscation of Fishing Equipment

During the reporting period, 3 incidents took place in which the IOF confiscated and damaged fishing equipment.

At approximately 08:30 on 11 June 2012, the IOF confiscated 1,000 meters of fishing nets belonging to Jihad Bashir Abu Riyala (22).

At approximately 19:30 on 17 June 2012, the IOF damaged 500 meters of fishing nets belonging to Mahmoud Ahmed Matar (22), when he was sailing 2 nautical miles off al-Sudaniya shore north of Gaza.

At approximately 08:00 on 27 June 2012, the IOF confiscated and damaged a fishing net belonging to Tayseer Abed Qasem al-Aqra' (31) and Wesam Borhom al-Qor'an (20), while they were sailing 2.5 nautical miles off Deir al-Balah shore in the central Gaza Strip.

Table shows Israel’s violations against Palestinian fishermen during the first half of 2012

Diagram shows Israel’s violations against Palestinian fishermen during the first half of 2012