GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- The Agriculture Ministry in Gaza on Wednesday distributed financial support to fishermen donated by a Qatari foundation.

Fishing official Nizar Ayesh told Ma'an the cash assistance, provided by Qatar Charity, would allow fishermen to buy new boats and build a better future.

Ayesh thanked Qatar for the support and called for further assistance to support the fishing sector in Gaza cope with Israel's coastal blockade.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights on Wednesday expressed concern for Israel's escalation in attacks on fishermen in Gaza, after Israeli forces confiscated a fishing boat and detained two fishermen.

"The Israeli soldiers fired directly at the boat, cordoned it and ordered the fishermen on board to take their clothes off, jump into the water and swim towards the gunboat," PCHR said in a statement.