At a Glance
- Sulala Animal Rescue operates in a tent in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, amid war.
- Shelter keeps about 70 dogs and 50 cats alive despite bombings and shortages.
- 97% of Gaza’s livestock destroyed; large animals down to ~30% of former numbers.
- Why it matters: The shelter shows the humanitarian crisis extends to animals, highlighting the war’s broader impact.
In the midst of the October 2023 Gaza conflict, a single tent in Deir al-Balah has become the last refuge for injured animals. The Sulala Animal Rescue team works under constant threat, treating dogs, cats, donkeys and horses with limited supplies.
Operation Under Fire
The shelter has remained open despite relentless bombing, shortages of tools, food and medicine. Veterinarians improvise, using expired drugs or human medications like amoxicillin when veterinary supplies run dry.
Dr Hossam Mortaja said:
> “Animals suffer like humans – they feel fear, even convulsions.”
The team shelters about 70 dogs and 50 cats, many injured or ownerless. During peak shortages they shared rice, pasta and canned tuna with the animals to prevent starvation.
Saeed Al-Aar stated:
> “You cannot look at a creature that trusts you and eat in front of it without sharing.”
Animal Health Crisis
Since the war began, Gaza’s animal population has collapsed. According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, 97% of livestock has been destroyed.
Large animals like donkeys and horses now represent only ~30% of their former numbers.
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Livestock destroyed | 97% |
| Large animals remaining | ~30% of former numbers |
| Animal Type | Number |
|---|---|
| Dogs | 70 |
| Cats | 50 |
Stray pets have been abandoned as families fled, leading to malnutrition and outbreaks of parvovirus, anemia and respiratory infections. Veterinary reports describe animals in states of cachexia, with weakened immune systems worsening gastroenteritis, jaundice and eye diseases. Sulala’s clinic treats these conditions daily.
Humanitarian Context
Famine conditions in Gaza City eased after the ceasefire began in October, but the strip still faces a risk of starvation. The World Health Organization warns that humanitarian needs remain staggering, with aid addressing only basic survival.
Lucia Elmi warned:
> “Fragile gains made during the ceasefire could vanish overnight if fighting resumes. We need sustained humanitarian access, restored basic services, and above all, lasting peace.”
The Sulala team operates under dangerous conditions. Veterinarian Muath Talat Abo Rokba was killed by Israeli forces in October while the ceasefire was in effect. The IDF said it was not aware of the incident.
Team and Volunteers
Annelies Keuleers, a remote volunteer from Belgium, expressed deep grief over the loss of Abo Rokba.
Annelies Keuleers said:
> “There are no words we have about losing him. In many ways, he was absolutely irreplaceable.”
Keuleers worries constantly for the safety of the on-ground rescue team. She notes that Saeed and his children have faced dangerous situations while rescuing animals left behind during evacuations.
The shelter’s Instagram page has 180,000 followers, many in the West, who watch updates on the team and the animals.
Key Takeaways
- Sulala Animal Rescue keeps 70 dogs and 50 cats alive in a war zone.
- 97% of Gaza’s livestock destroyed; large animals down to ~30% of former numbers.
- The shelter’s work highlights the broader humanitarian crisis affecting both people and animals.
Despite ongoing danger, the Sulala team remains dedicated, treating animals in a tent while the war continues.
