Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, November 8, 2017
Yesterday, 06 November 2017, Israeli gunboats chased Palestinian fishing boats sailing off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia, and opened fire at the boat. After that, the Israeli gunboats surrounded a fishing boat sailing within 4 nautical miles and then opened fire at it wounding 2 fishermen. The Israeli naval soldiers then arrested the fishermen and confiscated their boat. The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) has monitored the escalation of Israeli attacks against fishermen in the Gaza Sea, indicating the Israeli ongoing policy to target fishermen and their livelihood.
According to PCHR’s investigations, at approximately 13:00 on Monday, 06 November 2017, Israeli gunboats stationed off al-Waha shore, northwest of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats sailing within 4 nautical miles. They then surrounded a fishing boat manned by Hasan ‘Ali ‘Othman Meqdad (28) and his brother Mohammed (25), both from al-Shati’ refugee camp, west of Gaza city. The Israeli naval soldiers opened fire at the fishermen. As a result, Hasan Meqdad sustained metal bullet wound to the right thigh and Mohammed sustained a live bullet wound to the left knee in addition to several metal bullets to the right thigh and right foot joint. The soldiers then ordered the fishermen to take off their clothes, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat. The fishermen were then arrested and taken to Ashdod Seaport as their boat was confiscated…