Fishermen's protest

At 11 am today, the Union of Agricultural Workers Committees, Palestinian Fishermen and International Action for Palestine held an open demonstration at sea. Fishermen from all over the Gaza Strip gathered at Gaza port with their boats, where they formed a flotilla demonstration.

The purpose of the protest was to demand the right of fishermen to fish freely in Palestinian waters, a right which is denied them by the Israeli navy. Fishermen who attempt to fish at sea are often subjected to intimidation, threat, live fire, arrest, removal to Israel, detention, and interrogation. Often, their boats are confiscated, leaving them unable to make a living. I have told the story of one such fisherman before. Some 36 boats are currently in Israeli custody.

The fishermen were to bring photographs of their confiscated fishing boats, and share stories of their experiences. They were then to sail to Beit Lahiya, north of Gaza, near the border with Israel, with activists and members of the media on board.

I was at work when the protest took place, but when I called to some friends who live in an apartment facing the sea this evening, I was amazed to see so many boats, which are usually grounded, still bobbing on the water in the port.