In the midst of Gaza City’s ravaged fishing port, a resilient fisherman named Khaled Habib has found an innovative way to continue his livelihood. With most boats destroyed due to prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, Habib has crafted a makeshift paddleboard from refrigerator doors and cork. This resourceful solution allows him to navigate the waters and catch fish, albeit in limited quantities. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation has highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza’s fishing sector, which has seen its daily catch plummet to just 7.3% of 2022 levels, resulting in a significant production loss.
The war, sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, has led to substantial casualties on both sides. Despite a fragile ceasefire, fishing outside the port remains risky due to the presence of Israeli boats. Habib’s makeshift paddleboard not only helps him feed his family but also serves as a tool for teaching children how to swim and navigate the water. This dual-purpose innovation reflects the resilience of Gaza’s fishermen in the face of adversity.
Habib’s story is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by Gaza’s fishing community. The lack of boats and nets has forced fishermen to improvise, using materials like wire to craft fishing cages. While Habib manages to catch enough fish to support his family and sell some at the harbour market, the overall impact on the fishing sector is dire. The conflict has pushed Gaza’s economy to the brink, with fears of food shortages and price hikes exacerbated by recent blockages of aid deliveries.
The situation in Gaza underscores the need for sustainable solutions to support its fishing industry. As Habib and other fishermen continue to adapt, their resourcefulness highlights the potential for community-driven initiatives to mitigate the effects of conflict. However, long-term recovery will require broader support and stability in the region.
As the international community continues to monitor developments in Gaza, stories like Habib’s serve as a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges, there is hope for rebuilding and revitalizing Gaza’s fishing sector, which once thrived and could again become a vital part of the local economy.
