- Palestinian Territory, Occupied
- Conflicts and Disasters
Ismael’s family has been making a living from fishing for over four generations. Now restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for Ismael to go out to sea regularly.
“The sea means all to me, it is the only source of income for fishermen. And if we can’t reach the places where the fish are, then we don’t make any profit.”
The Israeli navy enforces a fishing limit of six nautical miles on Palestinian fishermen – far short of where most of the fish are. Since last year’s ceasefire, there have been more than 300 incidents of naval fire at or towards fishermen, even within this limit. Such incidents and restrictions have left Ismael and 95 percent of fishermen in Gaza in need of humanitarian aid.
Ismael joined an Oxfam project which made it possible for him to fix his boat. Oxfam improves access to agricultural assets to strengthen food security and the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers in Gaza.
“When my boat was damaged by Israeli fire, the project helped me repair it so that I could keep fishing and feed my family,” says Ismael. “But we still have too many restrictions.” Oxfam works with partners to promote sustainable livelihoods. We campaign for lasting peace, which can only come through an end of the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Photo: Mia Marzotto/Oxfam
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