Israeli naval forces intercepted and arrested three Palestinian fishermen off the coast of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, an action described by local sources as a direct violation of the ceasefire in place in the enclave. According to the head of the Fishermen’s Committees in Gaza, the Israeli navy opened fire on a fishing vessel near Gaza City before detaining Abdullah al-Absi, Mohammad Miqdad and Bakr Abu Abda.

Earlier in the day, naval warships reportedly shelled coastal areas of Gaza City, and military tanks positioned east of Khan Younis fired rounds at several locations in that region. In the town of Bani Suhaila to the east of Khan Younis a civilian male was wounded by gunfire from an Israeli drone.

The ceasefire agreement, which took effect on 10 October as part of a U.S‐brokered plan, was intended to include a phased Israeli withdrawal, exchange of prisoners and the rapid entry of humanitarian aid. But rights groups and observers maintain that the Israeli blockade and continuing operations amount to a genocidal war on Gaza, citing large numbers of civilian casualties, widespread destruction and the near collapse of daily life under siege. Reports indicate that the truce has already been violated dozens of times since coming into effect.

Those arrested at sea are now being treated as prisoners rather than detainees under a truce, and their capture underscores the harsh conditions under which Palestinian civilians continue to live despite the declared cessation of hostilities.