Palestinian fisherman killed by Israeli gunfire

A Palestinian fisherman was shot dead by Israeli forces Saturday off the coast of the Gaza Strip, a spokesman for the Palestinian health services said.

The 32-year-old died in hospital in Gaza City after he and two other fishermen in the same boat were fired upon by the Israeli navy.

The two other fishermen were arrested and taken to Israel, spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

A spokeswoman for the Israeli army did not confirm the shooting when contacted by AFP.

Israel's eight-year blockade of the Palestinian territory restricts Gaza's fishermen to waters up to six nautical miles off the coast. It was unclear if the fishermen's boat had strayed out of the area.

Fishermen say the Israeli navy opens fire before boats reach six-nautical mile limit.

Around 4,000 fishermen work in Gaza, more than half of whom live below the poverty line.