In the midst of destruction, where Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the land, the sea remains a symbol of hope for many in Gaza. It is an open horizon, offering a shimmering promise of freedom that seems just out of reach.
The waters have long been a source of sustenance for Palestinians, providing nourishment and relief from the harsh conditions imposed by Israel’s ongoing conflict. Fish from the sea have become a vital resource for families enduring the siege, starvation, and relentless bombardment.
Salem Abu Amira, known locally as “The Beast,” dives into the depths of the sea to provide for his family. Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim Alkhalili reports from Gaza City, highlighting the resilience of those who rely on the ocean.
“I’ve caught fish over a metre long, which is rare, but I’ve caught many big ones,” Abu Amira tells Al Jazeera. His ability to free dive is a legacy passed down from his father, a skill that has sustained his family for generations.
Before the war, Gaza’s fishing industry was a significant part of the local economy. In 2020, approximately 18,000 people directly depended on fishing, with its impact extending to more than 110,000 family members. However, the conflict has severely disrupted this way of life.
“Now we can only fish near the shore, where there are no large fish,” Abu Amira explains. He describes the restrictions imposed since the war began, which have left many without a means of support.
Prior to the conflict, fishermen in Gaza regularly hauled in over 4,600 tonnes of fish annually, despite the constant danger posed by Israeli forces. Since the war began, most of their boats have been destroyed. According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture to the United Nations, as of December 11, 2024, 200 fishers and their associates had been killed out of approximately 6,000 individuals involved in the profession.
Those who still attempt to fish near the shore face daily threats, including gunfire. In January, Israel declared Gaza’s waters a “no-go zone,” prohibiting fishing, swimming, and any access to the sea. This decision has had catastrophic consequences, resulting in a 94 percent decline in the region’s fish catch and cutting off one of the last sources of food.
Fishing, once a crucial source of both income and sustenance, has been nearly wiped out. Zakaria Bakr, head of the Fishermen’s Committees in Gaza, notes that fishermen are among the most vulnerable, often prohibited from accessing the sea and facing difficulties in obtaining diving gear, which limits their ability to work.
After months of displacement, Abu Amira has returned home, driven by the need to provide for his family. He prepares his small boat, ready to venture back into the water.
“The Beast” will dive again, seeking fish to sell at the market. For him, the sea is more than just a workplace—it is a lifeline.
“I am determined to pass on my profession to my children. It is a pleasure and a hobby. Fishing relieves stress and provides a source of income,” he says.
After hours in the water, Salem surfaces with a successful catch—several fish and an octopus to feed his family and sell in the market.
For Gaza’s fishermen, the struggle extends beyond mere survival. It is about preserving a centuries-old connection to the sea and clinging to the last remnants of freedom they have left.
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