As a fragile ceasefire took effect on 19 January 2025, bringing a temporary reprieve to war-torn Gaza, stories of resilience and hope are emerging—not just for the region’s people, but also for its animals. Among the rubble, caregivers are racing against time to save innocent lives that have endured extraordinary hardship.
Amid the Ruins: Saleem and the 27 Rescue Cats
In Gaza’s Al-Qararah, a man named Saleem stands amidst the ruins of his home, two cats perched on his shoulders. They are the last survivors of his family of 27 rescue cats. “They’re innocent souls,” he says. “They deserve someone to look after them.” Just days earlier, an airstrike decimated Saleem’s world, killing 25 of his cats and five family members.
An image shared by Sulala Animal Rescue shows cats feeding in Gaza, a striking reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by animals in this war-torn region.
Desperate for support, Saleem turned to Safe Haven for Donkeys, a UK-based charity operating in Gaza. Their mobile veterinary team, led by Dr Saif Alden, provided urgent medical care for the cats and emotional support for Saleem.
“This ceasefire is a lifeline for us and for the animals we care for,” says Dr Saif. “We can now reach areas we couldn’t access before and help animals like Saleem’s cats, who have endured unimaginable suffering.”
The Little Foal Who Defied the Odds
While the ceasefire has allowed some recovery, stories of long-term resilience demonstrate the tenacity of Gaza’s caregivers. Five months ago, a young foal suffered devastating injuries when a buffalo accidentally stepped on his right hind foot. The injury was catastrophic: his hoof was entirely sloughed off, leaving him lying helpless as blood poured from the wound.
Dr Saif and his team faced a daunting task. “Even in that moment of despair, we knew we had to try,” he recalls. The team worked tirelessly to save the foal, surgically removing dead tissue, managing his pain, and closely monitoring his progress. Over the weeks that followed, signs of recovery began to emerge.
By July 2024, the foal’s new hoof started to grow, and with dedicated care from his owner, he made a full recovery. Today, the foal stands tall, walking with the same energy as before. The second photo shows the foal—now a symbol of resilience and hope—healthy and thriving.
“This foal reminds us of the power of compassion and resilience,” Dr Saif says. “Seeing him healthy and happy is a true reminder of why we do what we do.”
A Broader Mission of Survival
Since April 2024, Safe Haven for Donkeys has treated more than 4,200 animals, including donkeys, horses, and pets, many of whom are lifelines for their owners. Donkeys, in particular, have been indispensable in transporting goods, food, and water through Gaza’s devastated landscape. A four-tonne aid package, set to arrive by March, will provide much-needed supplies to sustain this vital work.
Dr Saif reflects on the importance of their mission: “The animals here are not just animals—they are lifelines for their owners, who rely on them for survival. They face hardships I don’t believe exist anywhere else in the world.”
In a region so often associated with conflict and despair, these stories remind us of the strength of the bond between humans and animals. They offer a rare glimmer of hope and a testament to the enduring power of compassion, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.
Safe Haven for Donkeys is a UK-based charity which was founded in 2000, and operates a sanctuary in Israel and mobile clinics across Israel, Gaza, and Egypt.