The newspaper published a history of the difficulties faced by fishermen in the Gaza sector as a result of destruction caused by military actions. The article begins with a statement by a fisherman named Khalid: "If we were to create a new generation that learned to swim and made boats from refrigerator doors, we would all learn to swim and fish." This idea led to a benevolent relationship among fishermen, especially among the younger generation, which has already begun to create analogous floating devices.
One of the authors of the idea was Khalid, who decided to create an alternative means for catching fish, as most boats had been destroyed by Israeli armed forces. He used the door of an old refrigerator, filled it with foam to keep it afloat, and covered the top with wood and nail to protect it from moisture. On such a floating platform, Khalid stands and scoops, using nets made from wire for catching fish, as fishing nets have become a rarity.
Authorities report that the average fish catch in Gaza by April 2024 has reached only 7.3% of the level of 2022, leading to a loss of $17.5 million. Following the military campaign in Gaza, fisherman Khalid Habib has sought innovative solutions for overcoming difficulties, as a result of which he redesigned an old refrigerator door into a floating platform for fishing at the Gaza port.
Khalid's story reflects the suffering of thousands of fishermen who are deprived of the opportunity to earn a living due to the ongoing war. Similar stories are constantly encountered among the population of Gaza, numbering 2.4 million people. Despite the challenges, Khalid asserts that they often face attacks from Israeli gunboats and that the catch of fish he makes is often insufficient even for his family.
Although the challenges remain acute, Khalid is finding ways to inspire others. His floating door can accommodate three people and, sometimes, he places a stool on it to take a break while fishing.
