Saturday, September 29, 2012

Fisherman Killed By Israeli Navy Fire

Saturday September 29, 2012 02:07 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Palestinian medical sources in the Gaza Strip reported, Friday, that a Palestinian fisherman was killed by Israeli navy fire west of Beit Lahia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The fisherman’s brother was wounded in the attack.
File - Image By alnaharegypt.com
File - Image By alnaharegypt.com
Dr. Ashfar Al-Qdura, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip told the Maan News Agency that Fahmi Salah Abu Rayyash, 22, was shot and seriously injured by Israeli fire on Friday morning, and died of his wounds at a local hospital on Friday evening.

Al-Qudra added that Fahmi was shot by one round of live ammunition in his abdomen and another round in his right foot.

Yousef, the brother of Fahmi, suffered mild injuries and received the needed medical treatment.

The attack is part of ongoing violations carried out by the Israeli army and navy against Palestinian fishermen in the coastal region; these attacks led to dozens of casualties, while dozens of fishermen were also kidnapped by the army.

Since 2000, fishermen have been denied their right to sail and fish, as Israel reduced the area of fishing from 20 nautical miles, which was established upon in the agreements signed between Palestinian and Israel, to 6 nautical miles in 2008.

However, Israeli forces have continued to prevent fishermen from going beyond 3 nautical miles since 2009.

As a result, fishermen are prevented from reaching areas beyond that distance where fish are abundant. Sometimes, Israeli forces also chase fishermen within the 3 nautical mile area.

Consequently, Palestinian fishermen have lost 85% of their income, because of limiting the fishing area.

Related Item:

PCHR Condemns Continued Israeli Violations against Palestinian Fishermen in the Gaza Strip 

------

Gaza fisherman dies after Israel shooting
Published today (updated) 29/09/2012 10:27
GAZA CITY (Ma’an) – A fisherman from the northern Gaza Strip was pronounced dead Friday evening after he succumbed to wounds sustained by Israeli fire off the coast in Beit Lahiya.

Spokesman of the ministry of health in the Gaza Strip Ashraf al-Qidra told Ma’an that 22-year-old Fahmi Salah Abu Rayash died of his injuries Friday evening. He noted that Abu Rayash was shot earlier by Israeli snipers stations across the borders with the coastal enclave.

Al-Qidra explained that the fisherman was shot in his abdomen and his foot.

The victim’s brother Yousuf, who was with him in the trip, was also shot, but medics said he sustained a minor wound.

Both Palestinian brothers were transferred to Kamal Idwan hospital after they came under fire.

Health officials initially said one of the brothers was shot in his right foot, and the other in the hand.

An Israeli army spokesman said several people had approached the fence on the northern border, and after they didn't respond to warning shots, soldiers fired toward their legs.

The area is frequently used by militants to plant explosive devices, he added.

--------
Al Mezan

29-9-2012

IOF Kills Palestinian Fisherman and Injures another in North Gaza District, Al Mezan Condemns Israeli Attacks on Fishermen


The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue to escalate its violation against Palestinian fishermen in Gaza waters. The IOF regularly opens fire against fishermen, detains them, and confiscates their fishing boats, preventing them from working. Recently, the IOF killed a fisherman and injured his brother in North Gaza district.
According to the documentation conducted by Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, at approximately 9:30 am on Friday 27 September 2012, Israeli naval vessels patrolling the Gaza sea opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the coast northwest of Al Waha resort—near the maritime border—northwest of BeitLahiya, North Gaza district.  The Israeli ships then opened fire on two fishermen. The fishermen were terrified and left their fishing nets and sailed to the south wards. As a result, Fahmiand his YousifSaleh Abu Riyash (22 and 19 respectively) were injured. Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described the injury of Fahmi as critical. A bullet entered his left thigh and stabled in the abdomen. At approximately 10:30 pm on the same day, medical sources announced his death. His brother Yousif sustained bullet wound in the left hand and his injury was described as moderate.
According to Al Mezan’s field investigations, the two injured fishermen were carried to the south to the nearest point where an ambulance can reach. An ambulance from the Civil Defense carried them to the hospital. The two brothers are from As-Salateen area in BeitLahiya, in North Gaza district.
Al Mezan reiterates its strong condemnation of Israel’s continuous violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law in its dealings with Palestinian fishermen.  Al Mezan considers Israel’s demarcation of a no-go line for Palestinian fishermen (marked by illuminated buoys), the ongoing maritime siege, and the policy of preventing fishermen from working in the areas most full of fish as part of a series of collective punishments imposed on the Gaza Strip.  It is part of the general Israeli siege on Gaza, which is a form of collective punishment that is banned under international law and may amount to a war crime and a crime against humanity.
Therefore, Al Mezan calls on the international community to promptly intervene to uphold its moral obligations and its commitments under international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilians in Time of War, and to ensure respect for the principles of IHL at all times.  It also calls on the international community to take all necessary measures to end Israel’s gross violations of human rights, to bring the perpetrators to justice, and to take immediate steps to lift the illegal siege imposed on Gaza, including by ensuring freedom to work for Palestinian fishermen.

End

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.