There is some food and water for the Palestinians, some kibbles for the animals, doctors and veterinary care, but not enough. The most shocking news is that they have no future. Trying to survive and cope with this hopeless situation. Each day more of their country is being occupied by Israel, there are no schools for the children, hospitals have been bombed, the tents leak, water to wash themselves is scares. Hygiene is a huge problem. Baby's are born, nappies hard to come by or too expensive to buy. Countries such as my own, keep silent. They watch from a distance but are afraid to stand up against the country that is terrorizing the moslim people. They feel guilty because the Netherlands allowed 104.000 thousand Jews to be murdered in camps in WWII. Therefore they support Israel.
A lady brought her cat to the medical point today. He had wounds all over his body. The doctor found that he is suffering from sarcoptic mange, that he has almost no more teeth, and that his eyes were infected as well. we treated the skin affected by mange with saline solution and iodine, administered eye drops, and gave him other appropriate treatments.
Saeed is the founder of Sulala Animal Shelter Gaza.before the war began he had an animal shelter and was feeding stray animals
These many reels are heartwarming and at the same time terribly sad.
A citizen from Khan Younis contacted us to report a small kitten suffering from an abdominal issue since birth, as he noticed that he is not growing like his siblings and is still very small. After conducting a veterinary examination, it turned out that he is suffering from a hernia. The little one is now in a happy foster home with a nursing mom to provide him with warmth and natural nutrition, while our medical point follows up on his condition and provides him with continuous care and treatment. We will do everything necessary to support him and monitor his progress until he fully recovers
A humble shelter operating out of a tent remains the last beacon of hope for the injured and hungry animal population in war-ravaged Gaza, even as its workers and volunteers face their own impossible conditions.
Despite bombs raining down and a lack of tools, feed and medicine, the shelter has remained operational throughout the two-year conflict, working to help emaciated and injured dogs, cats, donkeys and horses.
At the shelter’s site in Deir al-Balah, several dogs with three legs are among the animals running around, a stark reminder of the toll that the war has taken. In a large tent, veterinarians and volunteers work together to place an IV into the leg of a small, whimpering puppy.
Dr. Hossam Mortaja, one of the few remaining veterinarians in Gaza, is often forced to improvise, using expired medicines or human drugs like amoxicillin when veterinary supplies run dry.
“You cannot look at a creature that trusts you and eat in front of it without sharing,” Saeed Al-Aar, who founded the Sulala Animal Rescue shelter in 2006, told NBC News last month.NBC News“Animals suffer like humans — they feel fear, even convulsions,” he said. The organization shelters about 70 dogs and 50 cats, many injured or left without owners by the war. During the worst aid shortages, the team shared scarce rice, pasta and canned tuna with the animals, a desperate measure to prevent starvation.
Since the war erupted in October 2023, Gaza’s animal population has plummeted. According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, an estimated 97% of the strip’s livestock has been destroyed through bombing, starvation and looting. This includes cows, sheep, goats and poultry.
Large animals like donkeys and horses have dropped to around 30% of their former numbers.
Stray pets have not been spared; countless dogs and cats were abandoned as families fled, leading to a surge in malnutrition, diseases like parvovirus, anemia and respiratory infections. Veterinary reports describe animals in states of “cachexia” — severe wasting — with weakened immune systems exacerbating outbreaks of gastroenteritis, jaundice and eye diseases. Sulala’s clinic treats these conditions daily.
Since the war erupted in October 2023, Gaza’s animal population has plummeted. According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, an estimated 97% of the strip’s livestock has been destroyed through bombing, starvation and looting.
“People seek comfort in animals. Some find support in dogs, while others find it in cats. During the war, I witnessed many individuals caring for and sheltering animals, both cats and dogs. They reached out to us, and we consistently provided them with food,” Al-Aar told NBC News.
The Sulala Animal Rescue team worked in dire and dangerous conditions as Israel continued its assault on Gaza. Famine conditions in Gaza City have eased since the ceasefire began in October, according to a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, the world’s leading authority on food crises, but the situation remains critical, with the entire strip still at risk of starvation.
Veterinarian Muath Talat Abo Rokba, who worked with Sulala and also ran his own veterinary clinic, was reportedly killed by Israeli forces in October, while the ceasefire was in effect. He had been visiting the ruins of his home in the Jabalia area, close to the “yellow line” marking Israeli-held territory, Sulala Animal Rescue said at the time. The IDF told NBC News that it was not aware of the specific incident.
Stray pets have not been spared; countless dogs and cats were abandoned as families fled, leading to a surge in malnutrition, diseases like parvovirus, anemia and respiratory infections.NBC News“There are no words we have about losing him,” said Annelies Keuleers, a remote volunteer and spokesperson for Sulala Animal Rescue. “In many ways, he was absolutely irreplaceable.”
The shelter’s Instagram page has attracted a dedicated following amid the conflict, with 180,000 followers, many of whom are located in the West, eagerly watching for updates on Al-Aar, his team and the animals the organization helps.
Keuleers, who volunteers from Belgium, told NBC News that she worries constantly for the safety of the rescue team on the ground.
“Saeed and his children have been in dangerous situations to try and pick up animals that have been left behind during evacuations, that have been starving there.”
Even with a fragile ceasefire in place, human suffering in Gaza remains acute, compounding the animal plight.NBC News
She continued: “There’s been a couple of times where I hadn’t heard from anyone for a day or a day and a half. And that’s been scary, as I wasn’t sure how I would know if they were bombed or killed.”
Even with a fragile ceasefire in place, human suffering in Gaza remains acute, compounding the animal plight.
While the ceasefire has improved the flow of some deliveries into Gaza, the World Health Organization warned earlier this month that “humanitarian needs remain staggering, with current assistance addressing only the most basic survival requirements.”
Lucia Elmi, UNICEF’s director of emergency operations, warned that fragile gains made during the ceasefire “could vanish overnight if fighting resumes, adding: “We need sustained humanitarian access, restored basic services, and above all, lasting peace.”
Despite the dangers that persist for Al-Aar and the other veterinarians they remain devoted to helping animals, even at a time when so much human suffering persists.
“They live in fear and horror, just as we do,” Al-Aar said.
Michael Fiorentino
Michael Fiorentino is a London-based producer for NBC News.
He was skilled, dedicated, compassionate and brave. He continued to save lives and suffered so much as his world was destroyed around him. Today our heartsbreak for Dr Mu'ath Abu Rakba, for his children, his wife, friends and colleagues at سلالة - Sulala Animal Rescue as we receive confirmation that Dr Mu'ath has been killed.
Dr Mu'ath disappeared last week after attempting to return to his home in Gaza. For the past two years he had been a vital member of the Sulala team after his own veterinary practice was destroyed by Israeli air strikes.
He was a devoted husband, father, colleague and friend — known for his gentle nature and kind smile. Despite unimaginable violence and danger, he never wavered in his commitment to animals — offering not only his exceptional skills to save as many lives as he could, but importantly, being able to give so many suffering animals warmth, love and peace in their final moments.
Dr Mu'ath, on behalf of all those you helped, supported and inspired — thank you for being a beacon of light in such dark times.
With deep sorrow and grief, we mourn the martyrdom of our friend, veterinarian Dr. Mu'ath Abu Rukba, who was killed in Jabalia while checking on his home.
He was an example of good manners and generosity, carrying a message of mercy to animals and humans alike. We ask God to have mercy on him, to grant him a spacious place in heaven, and to inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace May God have mercy on you, Muath, and may you remain in our hearts and fond memories.
Dr Mu'ath Abu Rukba, helped everyone in need. animals, children, women,elderly eld
They couldn't find him and UK Vets for Palestine placed this urgent message that went viral: Dr Mu'ath Abu Rukba, a volunteer veterinary surgeon for Sulala Animal Rescue was reported missing as of October 10th 2025 while attempting to return to his home in Jabalia, north Gaza. Dr Mu'ath is known for his utmost care and dedication in treating the animals within the Gaza strip, working tirelessly with extremely limited resources. He and his family suffered displacement from their home due to the air strikes in Gaza, and have struggled with unstable access to food, clean water and permanent shelter. Despite this, he has continued to serve as a faithful volunteer to provide veterinary aid to his patients. The conditions of his disappearance are a cause of heightening concern for his loved ones, the team at Sulala Animal Rescue, the team at UK Vets for Palestine and by the wider community. Sadly, efforts to contact Dr Mu'ath so far have been unsuccessful. Israeli military operations in the area have made recent attempts to search for Dr Mu'ath extremely dangerous, as previous search parties have been met with active gunfire. His expertise, hard work and compassion are irreplaceable assets to the Gazan community; it is time for us to return the favour. As veterinary professionals, and as humans, our moral responsibilities transcend far beyond the borders of the countries we reside in. We have a duty to advocate for our fellow veterinary colleague's safe return. We urge veterinary authorities to broadcast the alarming situation regarding Dr Mu'ath's disappearance, and for international and local humanitarian organisations to prioritise an effective search strategy for his return. We call on the global community to unite and advocate for Dr Mu'ath. His family, colleagues, and the animals he cherished are waiting anxiously for his return. We, as members of UK Vets for Palestine, ask you to please lend your voice to this urgent cause and help ensure Dr Mu'ath Abu Rukba is brought home safely. Please sign this petition and share with as many people as you can to make a difference. The petition was signed 1.400 times
We have great news!! After waiting for 15 months, and feeding the dogs and cats rice and tuna for a year, the truck from Animals Australia finally arrived!!
They sent us 21 tonnes of Animal Food that was supposed to arrive in April, but because the Rafah invasion couldn’t enter anymore. After 5 tonnes expired, they were able to send the other 16 tonnes in yesterday! And they will send more on the next truck. They have done amazing efforts to get this in.
Saeed is the founder of Sualal Animal Resue in 2020. in Gaza My daily contact with his organistion via Facebook particularly the welfare of the donkeys as the petrol was banned and donkeys and horses became the only transportation, have shown me how much effort and love he and his family have put into the care of the animals of which many, have died of starvation.
We will finally be able to feed the animals in our care and on the streets appropriate food. And we will finally be able to hand out food to pet owners again! This is great news for the animals of Gaza.
Sulala Animal Rescue: "Of course, to properly feed all the animals of Gaza for a decent amount of time we would need 50 trucks, but this gives us a lot of hope for the next truck to enter soon and it’s already a lot."
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