Why did 220 manta rays wash up dead on a beach in Gaza?

There is mystery surrounding the emergence of 220 manta rays that have washed up on the beach in Gaza City.

It is not currently known exactly why the fish washed up dead, but local fisherman made the most of the opportunity, and carted them off to market.

In a video uploaded to YouTube, one fisherman told a local news outlet that it was the first time they had seen manta rays at the beach in six years.

He said: "The fish come every March, but this is the first time we have seen them in six years.

"We used to get them from Egypt and bring them through the tunnels, which was difficult because we had to cut the fish in two and it was very expensive. But today God provides them for us here."

He added: "Yesterday, 220 of the fish washed up on the Gaza shore, and God willing there will be more tomorrow.

"It is sold in the market for six or seven shekels (£1) a kilogram. The rich and poor eat it and we cook it with rice and tomatoes."

Manta rays are one of the largest living fish, reaching up to 23ft, and can be found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters throughout much of the world's oceans.

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