Amidst mankind’s incessant thirst for war, one living being is affected more than humans and that is animals. Given the fact that the devastation of war impacts humans in desperate need of help, but it is animals who are the voiceless victims suffering in silence, many without hope of rescue in sight due to no access, waiting and hoping for a morsel of food and water, let alone relief from pain.. The scenario in Gaza and the West Bank is bleak, but among the rubble and chaos, animal activists are working day and night ensuring they achieve as much as possible to help as many animals in need.
Conflict Creates a Dire Situation for Every Living Being
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank has created a dire situation not only for humans but also for animals, with dogs and other creatures facing starvation, injury, and displacement. As of March 27, 2025, several organizations and individuals are making significant efforts to provide aid, facing substantial challenges due to the war-torn environment.
The war has led to widespread destruction, with animals suffering alongside humans due to lack of access to necessities. Reports indicate that dogs, both domestic and stray, are scavenging for food, sometimes resorting to eating corpses in Gaza, highlighting the severity of the crisis (Network for Animals). The need for animal aid has become critical, with organizations stepping in to mitigate suffering, often under perilous conditions.
Unsung Heroes: Animal Activists Amidst Conflict
The Animals in Gaza Alliance, a coalition formed to address the urgent needs of animals in Gaza, is being led by the Dutch organization Animal Heroes and includes partnerships with other foreign organizations. The alliance focuses on providing emergency aid, including food distribution, medical supplies, support for local caretakers and help people look for their own pets.
Aided by Bethlehem Shelter, the only registered animal charity in the West Bank, the alliance has been instrumental in attempting to get aid trucks, carrying medicine and food, into Gaza, though these efforts are often thwarted by border blockades at the Egyptian border as of March 2, 2025. They also support pop-up clinics and funding for individuals caring for animals, ensuring some level of care reaches the most affected areas. Supporting Animal Heroes on the local front are brave stalwarts who have stepped up to contribute such as Maryam the Cat Lady of Gaza
Maryam Hasan Barq: The Cat Lady of Gaza
Maryam Hasan Barq 32 is affectionately known as “the cat lady of Gaza.” Demonstrating unwavering dedication, Barq has been caring for approximately 40 cats, providing them with food, shelter, and medical attention despite the ongoing conflict. Her efforts highlight the profound bond between humans and animals, even amidst the most challenging conditions.
Like Maryam, A’aed Mahmoud Abu Nejem 25, lead vet of Animal Heroes was injured in an airstrike hours before the ceasefire on January 19, 2025. Shrapnel struck both legs, resumed work again showcasing resilience and dedication to the furry babes.
A Young Boy’s Compassion: Saving a Blinded Dog
Stories like those of Maryam have resounded from various parts of the war zones. One such incident is that of Amer, 10-year-old Palestinian boy living in Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem. Amer found a dog almost blinded in one eye after being hit by a stone. The little boy forced his mother to contact the Bethlehem shelter who along with Animal Heroes promptly helped take the dog to a vet.
Animal Heroes: Expanding Reach in the West Bank and Gaza
Animal Heroes, founded in 2023 by Esther Kef, has grown from a small team to 25 volunteers, inspired by previous aid efforts in Ukraine (Euronews). This Netherlands-based charity supports “animal heroes” – individuals caring for animals in harsh conditions – and has specific projects in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Sulala Animal Rescue, founded in 2006 by Saeed Al-Err in the Gaza Strip is another rescue organization working tirelessly to provide sanctuary to stray and abandoned animals, offering medical care and shelter amidst the ongoing conflict. The organization faces immense challenges, including displacement due to bombings and severe shortages of food and medical supplies. Yet, Al-Err and his team remain steadfast, often risking their lives to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals under their care.
The Animal and Environment Association (AEA) – Bethlehem Shelter, founded by Diana Babish in 2016, is the only registered animal shelter in the West Bank (Bethlehemshelter.org). It provides a safe environment for dogs and cats, offering treatment, spaying, neutering, and fostering services, while also advocating for better animal welfare policies. Initially designed for 100 animals, the shelter is overflowing with more than 200 dogs.
Major Challenges
The primary challenges include restricted access due to the conflict, with aid often blocked at borders, and the constant threat of violence, which endangers both staff and volunteers. Financial constraints and logistical difficulties in delivering aid through war zones further complicate their efforts. Moreover, operating in conflict zones presents safety risks, with staff facing potential airstrikes complicate logistics making it difficult to acquire supplies on time. The organization appeals for funding to cover medical supplies, infrastructure, equipment and logistics costs to get animals away to safer zones. In the initial months of Kef’s endeavor, dogs and cats were being transported to as far as Italy, however, it has become difficult due to the ongoing blockade.
Adding to the problems are acts of violence against animals. Babish has resorted to fencing her shelter after noticing how people sometimes would slip in at night to hurt the animals. On a more positive note, Kef observed how it was younger people who were coming forward to help.
Projects in Place
To support the animal alliance, an emergency clinic was set up in Jenin with an aim to treat 150 animals per month. Spread over a space of 4km, it is presently being run by two young vets supervised by Animal Heroes vet, Jenny Mackay. Animal Heroes is also supporting pop up clinics with logistics and supplies as well.
To educate people about the plight of animals, Kef has partnered with the Bethlehem University and the Ministry of Education to create awareness among students about animal welfare, teaching them about the importance of the environment, animals and animal abuse.
Other Organizations and Broader Context
While the focus is on the mentioned organizations, other groups like Network for Animals and PETA have also called for relief supplies for animals in Gaza, urging the United Nations to include veterinary provisions in aid shipments (PETA). Four Paws has been actively involved in rescuing animals from Gaza zoos, such as the Rafah Zoo, providing a second chance for creatures like lions and dogs. These efforts complement the work of the primary organizations, though specific collaborations with the Animals in Gaza Alliance are not always clear.
Conclusion and Ongoing Needs
The situation for animals in Gaza and the West Bank remains dire, with organizations like the Animals in Gaza Alliance, Animal Heroes, and Bethlehem Shelter making significant strides despite facing border blockades, financial constraints, and increased violence. Individual heroes like Maryam and A’aed add a personal dimension to these efforts, highlighting the human-animal bond in crisis. As of March 2025, the need for continued support, resources, and international attention is more critical than ever to sustain these lifesaving initiatives for our furry friends in need.
Compiled from Various sources.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
