In the aftermath of the devastating war, young men in Gaza like 21-year-old Rashdi Abu Hasira are forced to embrace perilous professions to secure their livelihood. With their previous sources of income obliterated by bombings, the sea has become their last resort despite the ever-present dangers it holds.
Each day, Abu Hasira and his companions endure grueling hours hauling massive fishing nets spanning hundreds of metres. Using sheer physical strength, they brave freezing waters and relentless Israeli naval surveillance, which often escalates to live fire along Gaza's coast.
"We had no choice but to turn to the sea," says Abu Hasira, his exhaustion evident after long hours of arduous labour. Once employed at his family's now-destroyed seafront resort, he, like many others, was left with no alternatives.
The fishermen rely on a rudimentary method known locally as “the trawl,” which involves casting and retrieving nets manually. The process is physically demanding and often yields meagre catches of plankton or waste, further amplifying their frustration. Ahmed Al-Bukhari, 22, recounts how strong waves and currents can stretch the already taxing process to nearly an hour, leaving little reward for their efforts.
Beyond the physical strain, Gaza’s fishermen face profound systemic challenges. The Israeli blockade and attacks on Gaza’s fishing sector have devastated the industry. Most of the 2,000 boats that once dotted Gaza’s waters have been destroyed, leaving only a few functional vessels. The destruction of boats, nets, and coastal facilities has decimated the livelihood of countless families.
Al-Bukhari, who once worked in construction, shares the constant danger of their work: "Even onshore, we’re not safe from naval gunfire. Imagine the risks when we’re at sea." His words underscore the impossible conditions Gaza's youth face as they battle hunger, poverty, and unemployment.
Engineer Muhammad Abu Odeh, spokesperson for Gaza's Ministry of Agriculture, revealed that 90% of Gaza’s fishing fleet has been destroyed since the war began in October 2023. He stressed the urgent need for international and local support to rebuild the fishing sector by providing equipment, repairing infrastructure, and ensuring maritime security for fishermen.
As Gaza’s youth struggle to adapt, their resilience shines through. But without substantial intervention and support, their fight for survival will remain as turbulent as the seas they brave daily.
Source : Safa News
