The Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) rallied on the Mediterranean Sea between the Gaza seaport and Beit Lahia to protest Israeli naval attacks on Palestinian fishermen and demand the return of fishing boats seized by Israel. (Photo: Joe Catron)
Several hundred Palestinian fishermen rallied on the Mediterranean Sea Sunday, March 3rd, sailing a flotilla of more than 50 boats from the Gaza seaport to the northern town of Beit Lahia and back to demand the return of 36 fishing boats seized by Israel.
Palestinian fishermen rally on the Mediterranean Sea demanding the return of their fishing boats (Photo: Joe Catron)
The Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) organized the event to protest Israeli naval attacks on Palestinian fishermen.
Palestinian fishermen rally on the Mediterranean Sea demand return of their fishing boats (Photo: Joe Catron)
Israel has continually attacked Gaza fisherman and stolen their fishing boats, impacting the lives and livelihood of countless Gazans who depend on their boats to sustain their families and community.
The Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC) March 3,2013 event (Photo Joe Catron)
“Return the stolen boats,” Gaza fishermen tell Israel in the protest flotilla.
Every bit of protein that Gaza obtains by fishing is a profit lost by the Israeli merchant selling food to Gaza. It makes absolutely no sense for Israel to allow fishing of the coast of Gaza. Occupation costs money, and Palestinians must contribute their share.
I cant find a reference right now, but I believe that the overall, there is no cost to Israel. They are monopoly sellers of virtually all goods coming and going into the Occupied Territories, and natives have very little room for negotiation.
i’m jealous of joe, i wish i was there on that flotilla. these are wonderful photos. thanks joe!
I commend the organizers of this event. Besides being peaceful (which will virtually GUARANTEE that it does not make the news, I apologize for my countries media), it looks like, from the pictures, many fathers and sons (and Mom’s as well) had a wonderful time on the water, showing off their boating skills, and getting their point across. How very talented to be able to remain standing on such choppy water, LOL. I have forwarded this story to the news media folks I have contact with. I would hope they would cover it, as himan interest, but I am afraid that they will not because it casts a rightfully bad light on Israel. Fight on (peacefully)!
What pictures!
The joy is palpable, the bows and shape of those boats and the stances of the fishermen are so graceful, and the flags are fluttering so proudly.
Thank you, Joe!
What kind of emotive reporting is this that doesn’t even attempt to divulge the other side of the story?
How can Hamas be trusted to bring about any semblance of democracy if they do things like this
http://www.theage.com.au/world/gaza-strip-marathon-cancelled-after-hamas-bans-female-runners-20130306-2fjq0.html