Losses to the Gaza fishing sector exceeded $75 million due to the aggression

The head of the Fishermen’s Syndicate in the Gaza Strip, Nizar Ayyash, warned on Sunday of the collapse of the fishing sector, the main source of income for thousands of Palestinian families, as a result of the Israeli aggression. He noted that losses to the fishing sector exceeded $75 million.

Ayyash explained that the Israeli bombing led to the complete destruction of seaport infrastructure, including the main Gaza port and the northern port of the Strip, in addition to damage to approximately 70% of port facilities in the central and southern regions.

Ayyash added that the destruction affected boats, fishing equipment, and storage facilities, in addition to the loss of navigation and communication equipment, making it difficult for fishermen to resume their work or repair what remains of their property, given the limited resources available.

Ayyash noted that the Israeli authorities continue to impose severe restrictions on fishing within the territorial waters of the Gaza Strip, allowing only short-distance sailings using small boats, significantly reducing daily production.

Ayash also reported that the Israeli occupation forces arrested a number of fishermen while working at sea, despite them posing no security threat. He considered these measures to exacerbate the suffering of those working in this field.

Ayash warned that the continued disruption of ports and the lack of compensation could exacerbate the economic and living conditions of thousands of families who depend entirely on fishing, at a time when the coastal strip is suffering from a prolonged blockade and high rates of unemployment and poverty.

Ayash called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to urgently intervene to rebuild fishing ports and compensate those affected, emphasizing that the fishing sector is a pillar of food security in Gaza and provides employment opportunities for a large number of the population.