Navy attacks activists' boat
They were trying to come to fishermen's rescue
Gaza: The Israeli Navy targeted Olivia, the boat carrying international activists, twice last week while it was in international waters monitoring violations against Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast, human rights activists said.
An activist, who gave his name as Joe, and his colleagues set sail on Olivia three times a week to monitor Israeli violations. Despite the fact the boat is recognised by the Israelis, the Israeli Navy attacked Olivia twice using water cannons, they said.
They said that the attack damaged the boat's engine and its communication systems. Several international activists were onboard the boat when the attack took place, Joe said.
Joe said: "An Israeli gunboat fired at a local fisherman's boat and it was heavily damaged. We went to monitor what was happening and tried to help, but Israeli naval troops stopped and attacked us using water hoses. We weren't able to offer any help to the damaged fishing boats."
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) denounced the attack and stated that Palestinians have the right to fish in Palestinian territorial waters.
The activists accompany Palestinian fishing boats and fishermen, who are subject to constant violations and attacks by the Israeli Navy as Israel continues to enforce its illegal siege on Gaza.
