Under Israel's blockade, Gaza's fishermen struggle for a catch - in pictures

  • Palestinian fishermen lift their net during a fishing mission off the coast of Gaza city. All photos: AFP
    Palestinian fishermen lift their net during a fishing mission off the coast of Gaza city. All photos: AFP
  • Palestinian fisherman Mohammed Al Nahal, right, and members of his team return to the coast of Gaza city to unload their catch.
    Palestinian fisherman Mohammed Al Nahal, right, and members of his team return to the coast of Gaza city to unload their catch.
  • Mohammed Al Nahal and fellow Palestinian fishermen unload their catch from a boat, upon their return to the coast of Gaza city.
    Mohammed Al Nahal and fellow Palestinian fishermen unload their catch from a boat, upon their return to the coast of Gaza city.
  • Forced to stay close to shore because of Israeli restrictions on powerful engines, Gaza fishermen have no option but to seek a catch from overfished shallow waters.
    Forced to stay close to shore because of Israeli restrictions on powerful engines, Gaza fishermen have no option but to seek a catch from overfished shallow waters.
  • Palestinian fishermen on a convoy of boats off the coast of Gaza city, which is under Israeli blockade.
    Palestinian fishermen on a convoy of boats off the coast of Gaza city, which is under Israeli blockade.
  • High prices of fuel in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza mean that fishing operating costs are unmanageable, making fishermen stay closer inshore.
    High prices of fuel in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza mean that fishing operating costs are unmanageable, making fishermen stay closer inshore.
  • Palestinian fishermen display their catch in boxes at a fish market in Gaza city.
    Palestinian fishermen display their catch in boxes at a fish market in Gaza city.
  • A Palestinian fisherman displays his catch on a horse-pulled cart at a fish market in Gaza city.
    A Palestinian fisherman displays his catch on a horse-pulled cart at a fish market in Gaza city.
  • Mustapha Abu Hassira in front of his seafood shop in Gaza city. Many fishing families in the Palestinian enclave have abandoned their profession because of the financial hardships.
    Mustapha Abu Hassira in front of his seafood shop in Gaza city. Many fishing families in the Palestinian enclave have abandoned their profession because of the financial hardships.
  • Fresh fish is grilled on charcoal before being served to customers at Roma fish restaurant owned by the Abu Hassira family in Gaza city.
    Fresh fish is grilled on charcoal before being served to customers at Roma fish restaurant owned by the Abu Hassira family in Gaza city.
  • Mustapha Abu Hassira, left, and his staff work in the kitchen of Roma fish restaurant owned by the Abu Hassira family in Gaza City.
    Mustapha Abu Hassira, left, and his staff work in the kitchen of Roma fish restaurant owned by the Abu Hassira family in Gaza City.
  • Many Palestinian fishing families, such as the Abu Hassira in Gaza city, have ventured into selling fried fish because of financial hardships that fishermen face in the enclave.
    Many Palestinian fishing families, such as the Abu Hassira in Gaza city, have ventured into selling fried fish because of financial hardships that fishermen face in the enclave.