Israel’s military has issued an urgent call-out, cautioning fishermen, swimmers, and divers in Gaza against entering the Mediterranean Sea because of ongoing military operations that pose substantial risk. This latest caution underscores the dangerous and militarized environment facing civilians amid this prolonged conflict.
Israeli Military Alert Raises Concern On November 15th, an official from Israel’s military issued an open warning: “We strongly advise fishermen, swimmers, and divers not to enter the sea along the Gaza Strip because entering it puts you at risk.” This advisory–highlighted during a live update from UN–suggested that official recognition had been made of maritime danger zones created by Israeli naval and aerial activity, something Al Jazeera was quick to note during their live update from UN.
Although its exact causes remain unspecified, this warning comes amid increasing air and sea strikes on Gaza’s coast. Observers report that artillery, drone, and naval operations could be creating deadly conditions in waters once used for daily survival activities like fishing and travelling.
Shrinking Safe Havens
For many Gazans who rely on access to fish and commerce from the sea, the message marks another blow. Since the start of Gaza’s civil war in November 2014, Israel has enforced a naval blockade. They claim it serves national security purposes while critics argue it effectively isolates Gaza’s population by restricting food supplies and livelihoods.