The Israeli military says it is taking the rare step ofclosing the Gaza Strip’s offshore waters to Palestinian fishermen until furthernotice in response to incendiaries launched into Israel in recent days.
COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry body controlling thecrossings with the coastal enclave, announced Wednesday that “due to thecontinuous launching of incendiary balloons and kites from the Gaza Striptowards Israel,” Israel would bar Gazans from using the territory’scoastal waters.
Israel often restricts the offshore fishing zone in responseto cross-border violence. Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade of theGaza Strip since the Islamist militant group Hamas took power in 2007.
A cease-fire struck by Israel and Hamas in May to end theworst round of fighting since 2014 has largely held.