This week, I want to share an update sent by Dr Saif, from our team in Gaza, who have been working around the clock in some of the toughest conditions they’ve had to face due to floods.
Thanks to your support, the team has been able to deliver first aid to hundreds of animals who would otherwise have no help at all.
Since the ceasefire, they’ve finally been able to reach areas that were completely inaccessible before – places where animals have been waiting far too long for the care they need.
I hope you can take a moment to read about the work you are helping to make possible – and all the donkeys being cared for with your ongoing support.
News from our team in Gaza
On 8 November, we had to leave Gaza City and North Gaza. As the situation had worsened, we were forced to make the difficult decision to withdraw the team temporarily for their safety. We fully intend to return as soon as it is safe to do so, where animals continue to wait with patience.
The team are inundated with donkeys like this one who need their help
The team moved into the central region, including Al-Sudaniah – an area that had been almost impossible to reach before the ceasefire. As soon as the roads opened, calls for help came from every direction. People asked for support, and animals stood waiting in pain. The team began treating them straightaway, providing first aid where it was needed most.
Donkeys continue to be a vital part of everyday life in Gaza.
13 November: the team continued their work in Al-Sudaniah, running a major campaign to support the thousands of displaced families and animals sheltering there. Many donkeys and horses needed first aid, and a large number were in very poor health.
But we’re glad to report that our follow-up checks show steady improvement in the animals we’ve treated. People are so grateful to know someone is looking out for them and their animals. But soon after, the heavy winter rains arrived – and with them, widespread flooding.
Mohammed at work, trimming a donkey’s hoof. With regular care, some animals are now showing real signs of improvement.
On 17 November, heavy rains swept through the area, washing away fragile homes and tents. Families were left exposed, with no safe way to move to higher ground.
Once again, it was the donkeys and horses who stepped in – carrying people and belongings to safety where no vehicle could go. Because of your support, our team was able to help coordinate these rescue efforts and give urgent medical care to the animals helping to save lives.
Heavy winter rains have made living conditions even harder in Gaza.
Two days later, on 19 November, the team reached camps in the western areas of Rafah. Tens of thousands of displaced families are living there with almost nothing, and for many, their animals are their only remaining source of stability.
That day alone, the team treated 31 animals, with 49 more waiting. People travelled from far away, some carrying sick animals in blankets because they had no other option. Our team will never turn away an animal in need.
Flooding brings greater challenges to our team in Gaza, but they are dedicated to helping as many animals as possible.
Later in November the floods returned again, creating even more need. And by 2nd December, the team had moved north-west of Khan Younis, near Deir Al-Balah, where huge numbers of families and animals are now staying. Calls for help are constant, and every day the team responds to a higher volume of emergency requests.
The team work tirelessly to treat as many animals as possible – the need is relentless, and your support is absolutely vital.
All of this work to help donkeys and horses has only been possible because of your support – especially regular gifts – which keep the team equipped and ready to reach the next animal in need.
Thank you for helping to bring first aid to the donkeys, mules and horses in Gaza who rely on our team.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Everything we do is made possible by you. Your support is helping our team in Gaza reach animals in the hardest-hit areas, giving urgent first aid to donkeys, mules and horses who have nowhere else to turn. Your kindness also keeps our vet teams working across the West Bank and Egypt, and ensures the rescued donkeys in our sanctuaries receive the daily care they depend on.
Thank you for bringing comfort and healing to these gentle animals.
Your donations are helping us continue our work in Gaza – where we are the only mobile team providing first aid to donkeys, mules and horses who need our help.