Palestinians in Gaza have recently begun hunting sea turtles swimming near the shore, slaughtering them and cooking their meat, according to documentation published on social media.
A Gaza fisherman told Arab media, "I started fishing at age 19 or 20. For 35 years, we didn't eat these turtles. It's a protein substitute for essential needs." He claimed that due to the war, he and his family don't have enough food. A Palestinian woman who cooks the turtle meat explained they "wash it with vinegar and mix it with flour three or four times. Then we season the meat and mix it three more times. The fourth time we cook the meat. Today I'm preparing the meat with onion and tomato."
In war torn Gaza, some families have resorted to eating sea turtles as an alternative source of protein, fighting for survival amid food scarcity caused by Israeli offensives in the area
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Despite claims of mass starvation in Gaza following the cessation of supply flows from Israel, the situation appears far from that reality. Additional documentation in recent days shows Palestinians cooking other items, not just sea turtles. For example, some prepare dishes from canned tuna and preserves with vegetables or pots of pasta. In other locations, they cook enormous pots of food in a centralized manner.
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Meanwhile, a new study recently revealed that after decades of conservation efforts worldwide, sea turtles at risk of extinction are showing signs of recovery in most areas where they are found throughout the world.
