The Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Aid, Mahmoud Habash, announced a Qatari donation of ten million dollars to support the fishing sector and fisheries in the Gaza Strip. This is part of a number of development and humanitarian projects carried out by the Qatar Charity Foundation (QCF) in Palestine, in coordination and cooperation with the Office of the President.

Habash clarified, in a press statement on Monday (7th March), that this project aimed to ease the adverse consequences of the Israeli siege, and to help improve the living conditions of the fishing community and their families. The financial aid will also support efforts to develop the fishing industry in Palestine, despite the blockade. Habash commended the State of Qatar and the Qatari Charity Foundation for their donation and for their continued support of the Palestinian people.

Ramadan Assi, the Director QCF in Palestine, added: "This project aims to empower the families of fishermen to access equal opportunities in the sustainable development of the fishing industry, and increase food security in the Gaza Strip, through increased fish production, distribution and marketing, as well as creating rewarding job opportunities and improving the capacity for fishermen and their families to reduce their poverty."