GAZA: Hundreds of Palestinian youth activists sailed from the shores of the Gaza Strip on Monday to protest at Israel’s restrictions on fishing in the seas off the enclave.

Palestinian fishermen say they cannot meet demand in Gaza due to Israel’s naval blockade on the territory and limit of six nautical miles in which they can take out their boats off shore.

On Monday, Gaza’s Coalition Intifada group said about 200 youths boarded fishing boats heading out of Gaza City toward the fishing zone boundary, before returning to shore. Organizers said some boats crossed the six-mile maritime limit.

“We have sent a message of solidarity with the fishermen and a message to the world that they must act to end the Gaza blockade,” said the group’s spokeswoman.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said none of the boats breached the fishing zone limit.