Israeli forces kidnap 10 Gaza fishermen

At least 10 Palestinian fishermen have been kidnapped by Israeli naval forces off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials say. The incident took place near the northern shores of Gaza on Tuesday after Israeli military naval ships blocked two Palestinian fishing boats, DPA reported. The report added that the Palestinian fishermen were taken to the Israeli seaport of Ashdod. According to Palestinian sources, Israeli naval forces on Monday arrested two other fishermen while they were in the sea off the coast of al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza. The Israeli navy allows Palestinians to catch fish only within three miles, resulting in an 85-percent loss of the fishermen's income. The Palestinian fishermen are harassed daily by the Israeli naval forces. Israel has subjected Gaza to an all-out land, naval, and aerial blockade since June 2007. The restrictions have deprived 1.5 million Palestinians of food, fuel, and other necessities.