Gaza City, February 3 (RHC)-- Israeli naval forces have once again opened fire on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Gaza. On Monday, several fishermen said they were attacked by Israeli boats off the northwestern coast of Gaza City. The fishermen added that the Israeli forces opened fire while they were within the designated zone. One of their boats was reportedly damaged and no reports of possible casualties have been released so far. A similar incident was reported near Gaza City on January 31.

According to the Gaza Fishermen’s Syndicate, the Tel Aviv regime has on numerous occasions violated an August 26, 2014, ceasefire agreement with the Palestinians that took effect after a deadly 50-day war. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel said it would immediately expand the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast and allow fishermen to sail as far as six nautical miles from the shore. Since then, there have been reports that Israeli forces have opened fire at fishermen who were within the new limits.

The actions by the Israeli military have significantly damaged Gaza’s fishing industry. Tel Aviv imposed a blockade on Gaza in June 2007. The blockade has caused a decline in the standard of living as well as unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.