Summary Report: Impact of Genocide War on Gaza’s Fishing Sector
Summary Report:
Impact of Genocide War on Gaza’s Fishing Sector
11/12/2023
Introduction:
The ongoing genocide war in Gaza
for 65 days, commencing on October 7th, has escalated into a war of
eradication, marked by an unprecedented scale of destruction and a deliberate
targeting strategy. This war has tragically resulted in the loss of 18,000
Palestinian lives, with over 50,000 injured, 70% of whom are children and women.
The devastation extends beyond human casualties, with more than 60% of
buildings in Gaza destroyed, over 10,000 people missing, and a complete
demolition of infrastructure across various areas.
This war is distinguished not
just by its brutality, but by the systematic targeting of civilian
infrastructure, particularly those essential for food production, such as the
agricultural and fishing sectors. The Israeli military’s tactics in this
horrific war have shown a focused effort to disrupt and destroy the
civilian way of life, thereby crippling the very survival of the Gaza
population.
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Hanine Hassan– Israeli |
destruction faced by the agricultural sector in Gaza, which serves as the
backbone of food production. This devastation encompasses the targeted
destruction of greenhouses, farmlands, water networks, irrigation wells, open
farms, agricultural roads, as well as livestock farms including sheep, poultry,
and cattle, of which more than 70% have been destroyed. Most critically, the
fishing sector, a major source of livelihood and sustenance for thousands, has
been severely impacted. The imposition of a comprehensive blockade by the
Israeli war Minister has exacerbated this situation, severely restricting the
entry of essential supplies like food, water, electricity, and fuel into Gaza.
This blockade is a critical component of the war strategy, effectively using
hunger as a weapon—a tactic that starkly violates international law, which
explicitly prohibits the use of starvation in warfare.
The resultant conditions in Gaza
are akin to a famine, with more than a million Palestinians facing a dire
scarcity of necessities, creating a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions.
The fishing sector has been decimated, with a significant portion of the
fishing fleet destroyed or damaged, further diminishing the already scarce food
resources and impacting the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen.
This debriefing aims to delve
into the specific impacts of this war of eradication on the fishing sector in
Gaza, highlighting the challenges faced by the fishermen and the broader
implications for food security under these extreme and dire conditions.
Focus on the Fishing Sector:
The fishing sector in Gaza, a
vital pillar of the Palestinians economy, has been devastated by the Israeli
war. This sector is not just an economic activity; it is a lifeline for the
community. According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2022 data, the sector
employs over 4,054 fishermen and supports hundreds of associated jobs,
including fish merchants, mechanics, electricians, and boat builders, along
with dealers in fishing equipment. These jobs form a crucial network that
sustains families and communities. Beyond its economic value, the fishing
sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security for the Palestinian
people, providing essential animal protein through fish. In 2021, the Gaza
Strip produced about 4,660 tons of fish, as per the data from the Palestinian
Central Bureau of Statistics, underlining its significance in the local diet
and economy. The destruction it has faced is not only a blow to the economy,
but it also cuts deep into the cultural and social fabric of Gaza, threatening
the food security and livelihoods of thousands.
The fishing sector, a crucial
part of Gaza’s economy, has suffered severe damage due to the Israeli current war.
Key findings include:
- Overall Damage:
- Approximately 70% of fishing boats in Gaza’s port
are damaged. - 900 fishing boats in total were damaged, with
significant damage to around 630 boats. - Rafah’s fishing boats were also heavily affected,
with about 30 boats damaged. - All fishing nets in Gaza’s port, owned by 1,800
fishermen, have been damaged. - Fishermen’s Conditions:
- There are 4,054 fishermen in Gaza, with 2,200 in
Gaza and the north. - Since October 7, these fishermen have been unable
to access the sea. - The fishermen are living in extremely difficult
conditions due to the damage to their fishing equipment and boats. - Fishermen in central and southern regions face
similar conditions, with a few risking their lives by fishing close to
the shore. - Specific Areas:
- Gaza City: 98% of the fishing sector is
affected. Around 60 large fishing boats and 400 small boats of various
sizes have been destroyed or damaged, along with fishermen’s rooms and
their equipment. - Rafah: Destruction of 4 boats and
significant damage to 20 small boats. - Deir al-Balah: Complete burning of 31 boats,
with more than 20 boats partially damaged. - Casualties and Losses:
- Approximately 20 fishermen have lost their lives.
- Substantial destruction of fishing infrastructure,
including ports and storage facilities.
Assessment of the Fishing
Sector in Gaza: Damage and Impact
1. Overall Damage to Fishing
Infrastructure:
- In Gaza’s port, about 70% of the fishing boats have
been damaged, impacting approximately 630 of the total 900 fishing boats. - In Rafah, around 30 fishing boats have faced
significant damage. - The fishing nets, crucial for the livelihood of about
1,800 fishermen in Gaza’s port, have all been damaged.
2. Condition of Fishermen:
- The total number of fishermen in Gaza is 4,054, with
2,200 located in Gaza and the northern region. - Since October 7, these fishermen have been unable to
access the sea, severely impacting their ability to work and sustain their
livelihoods. - Fishermen in the central and southern regions are
experiencing similar hardships. A small number are risking their lives by
fishing near the shore due to the lack of alternatives.
3. Impact on Specific Areas:
- Gaza City: The fishing sector is 98% affected.
Approximately 60 large and 400 small boats have been destroyed or damaged,
along with the destruction of fishermen’s rooms and their equipment. - Rafah: Four boats completely destroyed and
significant damage to 20 smaller boats. - Deir al-Balah: Destruction of 31 boats and
partial damage to over 20 boats.
4. Casualties and Losses:
- An estimated 20 fishermen have tragically lost their
lives due to the war. - The fishing infrastructure, including ports and
storage facilities, has undergone substantial destruction.
Conclusion: The Far-reaching
Impact of Israeli war on Gaza’s Fishing Sector
The stark reality laid out in
this report illustrates the devastating impact of the ongoing genocide war on
the fishing sector in Gaza. It is crucial to recognize that the information
available, while extensive, remains incomplete due to the continued bombardment
and destruction. The data and insights gathered by the Union of Agricultural
Work Committees, though substantial, are still evolving and are likely to
reveal an even graver situation than currently reported.
The destruction of approximately
70% of Gaza’s fishing fleet, the dire conditions faced by over 4,000 fishermen,
and the widespread damage to fishing infrastructure paint a picture of a sector
on the brink of collapse. The loss of life, the inability to access the sea,
and the crippling of a once-thriving economic and cultural cornerstone of Gaza
threaten not just the livelihoods of thousands but also the food security and
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MAHMUD HAMS/AFP |
shadow over the future of Gaza’s fishing sector. The repercussions of this war
of eradication are profound and multifaceted, affecting every aspect of life
for the Palestinian people in Gaza.
As the Union of Agricultural Work
Committees continues to document the ongoing damages and challenges, it becomes
increasingly clear that the actual extent of the devastation is likely far
greater than what is currently understood. The resilience of the fishing
community, amidst such overwhelming adversity, is a testament to their strength
and determination. However, the need for substantial support and international
intervention to rebuild and revitalize this vital sector is more urgent than
ever.
This report, while detailed,
represents only a snapshot of a rapidly evolving and deteriorating situation.
It underscores the critical need for continued monitoring, support, and
advocacy to address the profound challenges facing the fishing sector in Gaza
and to ensure the survival and recovery of this essential part of Palestinian
life and economy.