On the 1st September 2008, the first day of Ramadan, several volunteers
with the Free Gaza Movement and the International Solidarity Movement
accompanied a small fleet of seven fishing vessels from Gaza City port.

The fishermen exercised their right to fish in Gazan territorial
waters, providing them with a livelihood and providing food for the
besieged people of Gaza. The fishing fleet reached approximately nine
miles offshore and began trawling along the Gazan coast, well within
international limits. Usually the Israeli Navy prevents Gazan fishing
vessels from accessing beyond six miles and in many cases only three
miles, by attacking the boats, sometimes lethally, or by arresting the
fishermen. However, this day’s fishing resulted in a highly successful
catch due to the ability to access richer fishing grounds further
offshore.

Two Israeli Naval gunboats approached the fleet soon
after leaving port and began firing “warning shots” shortly afterwards.
They were aware that internationals were on some of the boats. The
Israeli Navy continued shooting multiple times at the fishing vessels,
one of which was fired upon at least seven times. They also deployed
explosive charges in the water and attempted to de-stabilise some of
the boats by creating a strong wake. Communication was established with
the Israeli Navy via VHF radio, informing them that everyone onboard
were unarmed civilians and requesting that the Israeli Navy stop
shooting.

The volunteers will continue to join Gazan fishing
expeditions on a regular basis and will monitor Israeli aggressions
towards the fishermen. Video and written documentation will be posted
publicly and made available to journalists. The Israeli Navy will not
be informed as to when the volunteers will join the fishermen, nor the
ports they will sail from, since this is not within their jurisdiction.
Also no indication will be made as to which vessels have internationals
onboard.