Published today, Sunday, February 14, 2010, 16:54

Gaza – Ma'an –

 Israeli occupation naval forces detained four Gazan fishermen off the Sudaniyya coast of northern Gaza, according to Nixar Ayyash, head f the Union of Fishermen in Gaza.

Sources within the de facto government identified those detained as Awad Ramadan Sultan, Fadl Jamal Sultan, Sharif Muhammad Sultan, and Samih Rajab Sultan.

The de facto Ministry of Interior called for the fishermen's immediate release urged international human rights groups to protect Gaza's fishermen.

An Israeli military spokesman said the following: "Earlier today two Palestinian fishing boats crossed into an area not permitted for Palestinian sea vessels. An IDF naval force called on the crew to halt. When the latter failed to comply the boats were lead to the Ashdod port where the crews were taken for security questioning."

IOF detain 4 Palestinian fishermen

[ 14/02/2010 - 11:59 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

The Israeli occupation forces (IOF) on Sunday kidnapped four Palestinian fishermen at sea north of the Gaza Strip while fishing, the fisheries department in the PA agriculture ministry in Gaza said.

It added that the IOF gunboats attacked two small Palestinian fishing boats and kidnapped the four fishermen all of one family.

The ministry held the IOF fully responsible for lives of the fisherman and the suffering of Palestinian fishermen in general.

It asked for daring stands on the part of international organizations to protect Palestinian fishermen.

The dean of Palestinian fishermen Nizar Ayash said that the Israeli military navy tries to empty Gaza coastline from fishermen and deliberately assault them on a daily basis.

Ayash affirmed that the Israeli gunboats always open fire at fishermen in Rafah and northern Gaza coast, pointing out that over the past ten years, the losses of the fishing sector amounted to $17,000,000.

He added that Israel killed during this period eight fishermen, kidnapped 200 others and wounded dozens.