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Israel announced further restrictions on Gaza on Saturday, weeks after Hamas leaders in the territory stepped up their demonstrations along the land and sea borders of the enclave with Israel.
Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has ordered that the area authorized for Gaza fishermen be reduced from nine to six nautical miles and has threatened "additional measures if the violence continues," according to a COGAT statement. 39, the Israeli defense organ responsible for coordinating civil affairs. the Palestinian territories.
Other measures could include more restrictions on Kerem Shalom, Gaza's main commercial crossing point and the only one with Israel.
Lieberman cited Friday's "riots" at the barrier separating Gaza and Israel as having contributed to his decision, in addition to midweek beach demonstrations in which fishing boats and protesters gather at the beach. the northwestern end of the Gaza Strip, where its maritime and land barriers meet with Israel.
Hamas seized Gaza by force from the Palestinian Authority in 2007 after winning the parliamentary elections a year earlier. Since March, the militant Islamic group has organized weekly demonstrations calling for the lifting of the Israeli-Egyptian blockade, which makes the group's government increasingly difficult.
Hamas accuses Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who governs parts of the West Bank, of thwarting regional efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza that could facilitate closure.
In response, Hamas has stepped up and intensified protests recently, adding venues and organizing nighttime gatherings near the fence, where activists are using sound bombs and laser lights to distract soldiers.
On Friday, three Palestinians, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed by Israeli troops during protests at five locations along the border.
Israel said the protesters threw grenades at the soldiers, adding that they had also ripped parts of the fence with bolt cutters.
At least 148 Palestinians, participating or participating in the marches, have been killed by Israeli gunfire since demonstrations began in March, including 33 under the age of 18. A sniper in Gaza shot dead an Israeli soldier in August.
