Israeli forces attack fishermen, farmers in besieged Gaza Strip

Palestinian farmers and fishermen were attacked in separate incidents by Israeli forces in and off the coast of the besieged Gaza Strip on Saturday.

The attacks came as residents of the enclave try to restore a semblance of normality to their lives following a three-day bombing campaign that killed 49 Palestinians and injured over 300 others.

Palestinian farmers tending their land near the border fence in the town of Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip were attacked by Israeli forces on Saturday morning with tear gas.

They were forced to flee their work areas to find safety, according to Palestinian Authority's news agency Wafa.

Israel does not allow Palestinian landowners and shepherds to cultivate their lands near the Israeli border fence and tries to create a buffer zone at the expense of Palestinians.

Also on Saturday, the Israeli navy shot at Palestinian fishermen sailing off the city of Rafah, forcing them to return to the shore for their safety and stop fishing. No injuries were reported, Wafa said.

While fishing is an important part of Gaza's economy that helps sustain 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.