Beloved "Ofek" the Whale Shark Found Dead off Gaza Coast

In a tragic turn of events, the whale shark known as "Ofek" was found dead off the coast of Gaza on October 15, 2025. The environmental conservation organization Sharks in Israel had been monitoring the whale shark's movements in the region for several weeks prior.

According to the organization, "Ofek" was likely hunted by fishermen from the Gaza Strip or washed ashore. Footage had previously shown crowds of Palestinians gathering around the massive creature, which was estimated to be around 10 meters long, as it was dragged along the shore by ropes.

The whale shark had been spotted in various locations along the Mediterranean coastline, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Netanya, Bat Yam, and Tel Aviv, in the weeks leading up to its demise. A Gaza resident had even commented that the catch was a rare opportunity, as Israel had not allowed fishing in the area for two years prior.

The tragic loss of "Ofek" has highlighted the ongoing challenges in protecting endangered marine species like the whale shark. While the species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, their migratory patterns often bring them into conflict with human activities, such as fishing.

The Sharks in Israel organization has vowed to continue its efforts to educate the public, share knowledge, and foster regional collaborations to ensure the protection of these remarkable creatures. They emphasize that sharks have no borders, only the sea, and that conservation efforts must transcend political boundaries.