Israel Returns 15 Fishing Boats to Gaza

Arutz Sheva ^ | 30/4/15

[Eleutheria5]

Israel has returned 15 fishing boats seized in recent years off the Gaza coast, the Israel Defense Forces said late Wednesday.

"The naval branch (navy) returned to Gaza 15 fishing boats which deviated from the Strip's permitted fishing zone and were seized over the years," the IDF statement read.

The small vessels were dragged back to shore by a boat from the Gaza fishermen's union, an AFP photographer said.

Because of security concerns, Israel bans fishing off the coast of Gaza beyond six nautical miles. Boats that exceed that limit are often fired on as a warning.

Gazan fisherman, meanwhile, were less than grateful for the return of the 15 boats, immediately demanding that Israel hand back the so-called dozens more vessels still in its possession.

"It is true this is the first time Israel has returned fishing boats... but its forces fire at fishermen before they've even exceeded the imposed limit, especially off southern Gaza," fishing union chief Nizar Ayyash claimed to AFP.

"There are still 60 boats held by the Israeli navy, and we demand Israel return them," he added.

.....

[Eleutheria5]

Let them try holding a navy ship hostage, if they dare. Or they could say 'thank you kindly. We promise not to fish outside the limit in future.'

[TheZMan]

“and we demand Israel return them”

And we demand you stop blind missile launches into Israel.

Hope in one hand, !#@$ in another.

[Oatka]

And we demand you stop blind missile launches into Israel.

"The naval branch (navy) returned to Gaza 15 fishing boats . . . There are still 60 boats held by the Israeli navy, and we demand Israel return them."

"For every rocket you guys shoot at us, we sink one of your fishing boats. Oh, by the way, you owe us 10,000 boats."

[17th Miss Regt]

Gazan fisherman, meanwhile, were less than grateful for the return of the 15 boats,

Why am I not surprised?