How Sulala Animal Rescue shelter saves Gaza's starving, petrified pets

In the wake of Israel's war on Gaza, images and videos of injured animals have flooded social media, underscoring how animals have been caught in the crossfire of Israel's indiscriminate assault. 

Founded by ex-governmental employee Saeed Al Err, Sulala Animal Rescue is Gaza's only animal rescue centre.

It has become a sanctuary and advocate for Gaza's animals throughout the war, as well as the most followed social media account of Gaza's animals. 

Due to regular internet outages across the Gaza Strip, The New Arab spoke to Sulala's spokesperson Annelies Keuleers in Belgium about Sulala's work, the challenges they face, and how to donate.

"Gaza has taught the world the true meaning of humanity, showing  the world that there is no excuse for neglecting or harming animals. Even in the worst possible moment, they have found a way to care for and protect these vulnerable beings"

Sulala Animal Rescue was established in 2006 when Saeed, who previously worked with the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, attended a dog training course in Russia, sparking a lifelong commitment to animal rescue. 

Over the years, Saeed and his friends roamed the streets of Gaza, feeding strays and looking after sick and wounded animals. They would take them to the vet or find space in loving homes.

During this time, Saeed sustained Sulala through a monthly pension from the Palestinian Authority and donations from abroad.

"Before the war, Saeed worked seven days a week," Annelies told The New Arab. "They went all over Gaza offering advice, looking after strays and taking them to the vet. His phone was ringing nonstop."

"Sulala's main shelter housed around 400 dogs and was located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. Israel has since destroyed the area and there is no news on the fate of the dogs," Anneleis sighed.

Saeed also had a home in Gaza City where 40 cats were sheltered, along with 30 more cats in the north of Gaza.

Since the war, Saeed has also taken in donkeys and horses, now a vital means of transportation.

"Israel is killing every living thing in Gaza"

Despite intense bombing from the Israeli army, at the beginning of the war, Saeed still travelled to the north to visit the shelter.

However, the evacuation orders for Gazans to flee from the north to the south have meant that Saeed and his family have had to seek refuge elsewhere. 

Saeed initially sought refuge in Nuseirat in the middle of the Gaza Strip before fleeing again.

Annaleis told The New Arab that Saeed is still looking for places to shelter in Rafah, however, the area is packed with millions of displaced people.

"At the moment, Saeed is distraught because he receives messages from people in the north who want him to check on their animals. He can't go there," said Annaleis, visibly upset. 

Remarkably, 10 of Saeed's dogs have found their way back to Saeed on their own, a testament to the love and affection they have for him.

Starvation is now the primary threat to animals, according to Anneleis. "We receive messages all the time about people needing animal food but Saeed ran out at the start of the year. We're still waiting for an aid to get in."

An Egyptian aid truck received approval in mid-January but is still waiting to get into Gaza and deliver aid. 

The other major challenge is the telecommunication blackouts and poor internet conditions that make it difficult for people to report on wounded animals, however, Sulala can still receive funds through donations on PayPal and its donor organisation, Animals Australia.

Gaza's best friend

Despite the horrors of war, Gazans have taken it upon themselves to care for their animals. Many have taken in stray animals, while others have chosen to rescue the pets from the rubble, refusing to abandon them and making sure they share whatever food and water they have left with them. 

"Gaza has taught the world the true meaning of humanity, showing the world that there is no excuse for neglecting or harming animals. Even in the worst possible moment, they have found a way to care for and protect these vulnerable beings," Ghina Nahfawi, a Lebanese animal activist told The New Arab.

In contrast, Israel has used dogs as torture devices on Palestinian prisoners. 

"What is happening in Gaza showcases the hypocrisy of Western organisations that advocate for animal rights but are now silent," Ghina said. "The people of Gaza have shown the world that the West is not the model of mercy for animals."

Dana Hourany is a multimedia journalist based in Beirut

Follow her on Twitter: @DanaHourany