Israeli army targets Palestinian fishermen and farmers in Gaza

Local sources reported on Wednesday that the Israeli army forces on Wednesday once again attacked Palestinian farmers and fishermen in the besieged Gaza Strip. 

Palestinian security sources in Gaza said to The New Arab that the Israeli navy opened their fire on fishermen off Beit Lahia coast in the north of the strip. 

"The Israeli navy forced the fishers to leave the site and return to the shore without finishing their work," the sources added. 

Usually, the sources elaborate, the Israeli authorities base their aggressions on the local fishermen under the pretext that they passed the 15-nautical-mile restrictions.  

While fishing is an integral part of Gaza's economy that sustains thousands of families, Israel has placed tight restrictions on the industry.

As part of its siege of Gaza, which began in 2007, Israel limits the areas in which Palestinian fishing boats can operate – restrictions it often tightens.

The blockade has been slammed as a form of illegal collective punishment by rights groups.

Meanwhile, the Israeli soldiers stationed in the eastern part of Beit Lahia town in the north of the strip fired tear gas canisters at Palestinian farmers. 

The army forces frequently carry out razing operations near the border areas of the Gaza Strip and deliberately target farmers, fishermen and shepherds to tighten the siege and collectively harm people living in the Gaza Strip.