Israeli forces arrested two fisherman off the coast of northern Gaza on Tuesday, Israel’s army and witnesses said.
Kamal al-Ankah and his son were detained by Israeli forces near Beit Lahiya and taken to an unknown location, locals said.
Their fishing boat was also confiscated.
“Israeli authorities aim to raise restrictions on fishermen every season. The fishing area allowed by the Israeli authorities for Palestinian fishermen does not exceed three miles,” the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza said a statement.
Under Israel’s maritime blockade, Palestinians are forbidden from fishing more than three nautical miles from the coast.
During the Oslo accords negotiators had agreed on 20 nautical miles of fishing access along Gaza’s coastline.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said navy forces detained the fishermen because they deviated from the designated fishing area.
Israeli forces took the boat to Ashdod port, and a short while ago released both fishermen back to Gaza, she added.
Ma’an News Agency 2005 – 2012