Gaza Crisis: Dangerous Seas and Desperate Living - The Plight of Palestinian Fishermen
Before the Gaza war, Palestinian fisherman Jalal Qaraan used to sail far out for a good catch.
Now, even casting nets is dangerous as Israeli naval forces may attack.
The Gaza Strip, which is densely populated, has been reduced to rubble by Israeli airstrikes and shelling, resulting in over 32,000 deaths during the ongoing war with Hamas.
Fishermen like Qaraan face dangers at sea and must support their families, but going out to fish means dealing with gunfire, shelling, and constant harassment from the Israeli navy.
Despite the risks, Qaraan continues to fish to provide for his children.
The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment.
In Gaza, where Ramadan celebrations have been disrupted, at least 32,623 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's offensive, according to the Health Ministry.
Thousands more are believed to be dead under rubble, and over 80% of the population, numbering 2.3 million, have been displaced and are at risk of famine.
The conflict began on October 7 when militants breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting 253 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to ensure basic food supplies to the Palestinian population in Gaza without delay.
The text describes the dire living conditions in Gaza, where Palestinians are facing worsening situations including famine and starvation.
The fishing industry, a significant source of food and income, has been severely impacted, leaving fishermen like Qaraan struggling to catch enough fish to sustain themselves or sell for necessities.
The lack of fish is also felt by displaced Gazans like Umm Al-Zein, who long for the traditional Palestinian cuisine but have gone without it for months.
The text emphasizes the hardships faced by Gazans due to the war and the resulting restrictions on their access to basic resources.