GAZA, March 12, 2007, (WAFA)-Head of Fishery Union of , Nezar Abu Ayyash said that Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed six fishermen and wounded and arrested more than fourti ones after Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

Abu Ayyash stated that Israel Navy crews have used a new method of humiliating and abusing the fishermen. Israeli Navy stopped fisherman off the coast, particularly opposite Rafah, forced them to go further out to sea and then ordered them, under threat of gunpoint, to undress and swim dozens of meters in the sea to the Israeli navy ship, despite the bitter cold.

He added that since the capture of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, on 25 June 2006 , Israel has forbidden fishing boats to sail off the Gaza coast. The prohibition has struck a severe blow to the fishing sector, which provides a livelihood for tens of thousands of citizens of the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Navy restricted the fishing area off the Gaza Strip to six nautical miles (11 kilometers) from the coast, then banned fishing for further six months, but later allowed for six nautical miles. But, actually on the ground is not allowed for more than two nautical miles, depending on soldier's mood.

Abu Ayyash pointed out that the direct and indirect loss of fishing sector reached $ 16 million.

He called on International community and the Quartet to pressurize Israeli government to stop its violations against fishermen and allow them fishing in internationally agreed upon agreement of fishing.

M.H.(10:40 P)(08:40 GMT)