Israel to reopen limited fishing zone off Gaza Strip coast

Israeli occupation authorities reportedly reopened a limited fishing zone off the coast of the Gaza Strip today, according to reports.

The Israeli government and fishermen both stated that a 12 nautical mile fishing zone was opened this morning, though in the north by Beit Lahia the zone would be restricted to six miles.

The easing of restrictions was anticipated following a ceasefire agreement which was signed on Monday, following 72 hours of escalation triggered by Israeli forces’ killing of two Palestinian protesters on Friday.

The Israeli defence ministry warned that the military forces would “handle any deviation” from the agreement.

READ: The easing of Gaza fishing restrictions meets Israel’s security needs, not fishermen’s interests 

Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip have warned in recent days of the consequences should Israel fail to abide by its side of the agreement, and implement humanitarian measures.

Israeli authorities have long imposed unilateral restrictions on Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip, which are routinely enforced with violent attacks by naval vessels.

The Gaza Strip has been under an intense blockade since 2006-07, and under Israeli military occupation since 1967.