Israel Bans Palestinians From Fishing in Sea Despite Continued Blockade of Aid: It Was 'Our Last Breathing Space'

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a stark warning reminding Palestinians they are banned from fishing or swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, even as Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid, including food and water, continues and summer temperatures rise in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF declared all bodies of water in Gaza were a "no-go zone," banning fishing, swimming, and any form of sea access, according to The National. The restriction was set in place despite nearly 900,000 displaced Palestinians taking refuge in Al-Mawasi, a former coastal resort now crowded with tents sheltering families whose homes have been destroyed since Oct. 7, 2023.

Hours after a Palestinian boy shared an Instagram reel enjoying the Mediterranean Sea as temperatures climb in the region, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, reminded Palestinians about the ban, warning that ignoring it will put them "at risk."

"Urgent warning to Gaza Strip residents," the X post shared Saturday read. "We remind you that strict security restrictions have been imposed in the maritime area adjacent to the Strip, where entry into the sea is prohibited. Defense forces will deal with any violation of these restrictions."

"We urge fishermen, swimmers, and divers to refrain from entering the sea. Entering the sea along the Strip puts you at risk," the post continued.

Rajaa Qudeih, a 31-year-old mother-of-two from Deir al-Balah, told Haaretz that she and her family, currently living in a makeshift tent near the sea, are "dizzy from hunger, thirst and the heat" as Gaza continues experiencing "the worst famine."

"The sea was the only outlet left," Qudeih told Haaretz. "If they kill us for going there, maybe that would be easier than this slow death," she continued. "Still, I fear for my children. My oldest is 9. How can I convince him that swimming in the sea could get him killed?"

"We are camped by the sea. Where else can we go? Are they going to ban the air from us next?" she added.

Social media users also rebuked the IDF for banning Palestinians from seeking food or reprieve from the sea.

"Every day you confirm to everyone that what is happening in Gaza is genocide," an X user wrote in response to the spokesperson's announcement.

"This is nazi behavior. Your country is going to have to be broken up and denazified," another added.

Before Oct. 7, 2023, more than 6,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including 4,200 registered fishers and boat owners, relied on fishing as their primary source of income. Since then, Israel has imposed a complete ban on fishing in Gaza's coastal waters. According to the United Nations, more than 210 Palestinian fishers have been killed by Israeli forces for attempting to fish during this period.

However, the targeting of Palestinian fishermen in Gaza by the Israeli military predates the current conflict. Between 2000 and 2018, 1,192 shooting incidents against Palestinian fishers were documented, resulting in eight deaths and more than 130 injuries. During that period, hundreds were also arrested, and many had their boats confiscated.

One such case occurred on May 15, 2017, when the IDF shot and killed 25-year-old Mohammad Bakr, a fisherman and father of two, while he was fishing with his two brothers, Omran and Fadi, and a cousin. The IDF later claimed the incident was linked to concerns over weapons smuggling.

Three years earlier, in July 2014, Israeli forces killed four children from the Bakr family as they played soccer on a Gaza beach, an attack documented by Human Rights Watch.