Boat burst into flames
Photo: AP
Fishermen in Gaza, Monday
Photo: AP
Israeli Navy fires on Gaza fishermen
Military spokeswoman says army opened fire at fishing boats off northern Strip town of Beit Lahiya after their crews ignored warning shots and orders to turn back, says Navy helped put out fire on fishing boat
The Israeli Navy opened fire on fishermen from the besieged Gaza Strip on Monday, causing one boat to burst into flames, the army said. Witnesses did not report any casualties.
The boat was targeted off Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza by the Israeli Navy which enforces a blockade on the Palestinian territory and prevents fishermen from venturing more than five kilometers (3.5 miles) from shore.
A military spokeswoman confirmed the Navy opened fire at fishing boats after their crews ignored warning shots and orders to turn back. She said the Israeli navy helped put out the fire on the fishing boat.
About 3,500 fishermen struggle to ply their trade off Gaza's 40-kilometer (25-mile) Mediterranean coastline in spite of the Israeli blockade.
