Israeli blockade on Gaza eases, but residents are not hopeful

Although Israel lifted some restrictions, economic analysts say the moves will not lead to real development.

Al-Mina, Gaza – “It really changes nothing for us,” says Palestinian fisherman Khaled al-Habil. “Since we don’t have the spare parts we need for maintenance and repair, most boats can’t even go that far.” Khaled was referring to the expansion of Gaza’s fishing zone announced by COGAT, an Israeli military unit responsible for civilian matters in the occupied territories, last Wednesday. Among other measures, the fishing zone was expanded to 15 nautical miles (28km). Although the Oslo Accords signed in the early 1990s obligate Israel to allow boats to go as far as 20 nautical miles (37 km), the maximum it has ever permitted, up until last week, was 12 nautical miles (22km).