Israel postpones easing Gaza fishing blockade

Israeli authorities were to extend the cordon from six to nine nautical miles during November.

But in postponing the plan on Sunday, an official said it would only take place once Palestinian authorities in Gaza "carry out their commitments" including placing a ship to monitor violations.

The head of Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), Yoav Mordechai, said on his Facebook page that "your representatives did not implement what was agreed on".

Israeli authorities had previously postponed the temporary expansion on 30 October, citing poor weather, and again on Thursday, according to Bethlehem-based Ma'an News Agency.

The cordon is part of Israel's decade-long land, sea and air blockade of the Palestinian territory and has severely affected Gaza's fishing industry.

The zone is technically set at 20 nautical miles according to the Oslo Accords, but in practise, fishermen have been prevented - sometimes shot at - for sailing beyond six nautical miles.

The limits are controlled by the Israeli authorities, which say the blockade of Gaza is necessary to prevent Hamas, which controls the coastal enclave, receiving supplies which could be used for military purposes.

Israeli authorities had planned to expand the fishing zone off the northern Gaza coast for the duration of November, with Israeli officials suggesting the extension could be effective for an additional month "if the Palestinian side maintains calmness at the maritime boundaries".

It remained unclear from the statement how long the expansion would be postponed.