Published today (updated) 13/06/2012 17:39
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| Israeli naval forces fired water cannon at a boat carrying international solidarity monitors off the Gaza coast on Wednesday, a campaign organizer said. (MaanImages/File) |
GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Israeli naval forces fired water cannons at a boat carrying international monitors off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, a solidarity campaigner said.
The Olivia boat, carrying Irish, Italian and British nationals, sails daily to protect Palestinian fishing boats from Israeli military forces, who impose a 3-mile limit off the Gaza shore.
The coordinator of the campaign for solidarity with Gaza fishermen Mahfouz Al-Kabiriti told Ma'an naval forces surrounded the Olivia and ordered the ship to sail north, away from the fishing boats.
Forces fired water cannon at the boat and attempted to detained the vessel, but the ship was able to return to the shore unharmed, he added.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said a "Palestinian fishing boat deviated from the designated fishing area, the Israeli navy called for it to return but it failed to response so soldiers fired warning shots, before the boat returned voluntarily."
Israel fired on Palestinian fishermen 13 times in May 2012, impounded four boats, and arrested nine people, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said.
Fishermen say Israel's unilaterally imposed limit has destroyed their livelihood and that it is impossible to trawl a large catch within the designated area.
Israel fires on international boat supporting Gaza fishermen | Maan News Agency
The Olivia boat, carrying Irish, Italian and British nationals, sails daily to protect Palestinian fishing boats from Israeli military forces, who impose a 3-mile limit off the Gaza shore.
The coordinator of the campaign for solidarity with Gaza fishermen Mahfouz Al-Kabiriti told Ma'an naval forces surrounded the Olivia and ordered the ship to sail north, away from the fishing boats.
Forces fired water cannon at the boat and attempted to detained the vessel, but the ship was able to return to the shore unharmed, he added.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said a "Palestinian fishing boat deviated from the designated fishing area, the Israeli navy called for it to return but it failed to response so soldiers fired warning shots, before the boat returned voluntarily."
Israel fired on Palestinian fishermen 13 times in May 2012, impounded four boats, and arrested nine people, the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said.
Fishermen say Israel's unilaterally imposed limit has destroyed their livelihood and that it is impossible to trawl a large catch within the designated area.
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