Gaza Fishermen unable to catch 'a single fish'

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According to the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza, fishermen in the beleaguered territory are complaining bitterly over the escalating effects of the fuel and electricity shortages on their ability to make a living for themselves and their families. Their boats are now nearly all confined to port.

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A press statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture warned that Gaza’s food chain, represented by the vital fishing, livestock and agricultural industries, faced the imminent threat of grinding to a halt. It highlighted the direct impact of the shortages on the fishing sector, stressing that fishermen do not have the necessary fuel to power their boats, or the necessary gas for light when night fishing. Refrigerators to keep stock fresh, the retail fish business and other aspects of the industry related to production have all been affected by the current crisis, leading to significant losses.

With the approach of the financially critical sardine seasons, fears over mounting losses for fishermen, should the crisis continue, are rising. There are approximately 3,500 fisherman in Gaza working out of 700 boats; however, the income generated by the fishing industry sustains over 70,000 Palestinians.

The ministry confirmed that it is continuing to work with the General Petroleum Corporation to ease the fuel crisis. The amount of fuel currently entering Gaza only accounts for approximately 10 per cent of that required.

At the end of last month, the Ministry of Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Charitable Foundation to implement a $1 million support programme for Gaza’s fishing sector. The programme complements recent efforts and projects implemented by the ministry and aimed at helping Gaza’s fishermen.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad