Gazan fishermen patch up dinghies with door frames to keep themselves afloat

In Gaza's workshops, a determined group of men are transforming discarded pleasure dinghies into vital tools for survival. Using reclaimed fiberglass, wood, and even door frames salvaged from rubble, they race against time to ready the small vessels for the challenging work of fishing.

These dinghies, once used for leisure by families and swimmers before the ongoing conflict, have become an essential lifeline for Gaza's fishing industry. The sector is struggling to maintain its fleet due to severe restrictions on the import of new materials, including fiberglass, into the enclave.

“

The small vessels, which were used by families and swimmers before the war, have become a lifeline for the enclave’s fishing industry which has been struggling to keep up its fleet.

Fishermen report that Israeli limitations on essential supplies make repairing larger, purpose-built fishing boats increasingly difficult and prohibitively expensive. The ingenuity displayed in repurposing everyday items like door frames underscores the resilience of Gazans facing dire circumstances and their determination to sustain their livelihoods amidst scarcity.

“

Israeli restrictions on new fibreglass and other materials entering Gaza have made it increasingly difficult and expensive to repair the larger, purpose-built boats, fishermen said.