The war in the Gaza strip is expected to continue throughout 2024 and could escalate into wider conflict across the territory of West Bank.

Unable to directly provide material aid at the moment, OIPA had launched a fundraiser “Gaza West Bank Emergency” to help animals affected by war.

A first monetary donation (€ 1,000) has been recently transferred to our member league association AEA Bethlehem to support some of their daily activities in aid of homeless animals. The situation is still “under control” in the area where the association operates and also takes care of animals in a shelter.

The amount donated was used to help them sterilize two cats; provide vaccinations, treatment and food for street dogs; purchase cleaning materials, fuel and water tanks for the shelter, milk and nursing bottles for two orphaned puppies.

We thank donors who have contributed to our fundraising campaign, which is still open, and we hope to give you soon news about aid in Gaza. In addition, our next goal is to help AEA Bethlehem start making some shelter’s improvements.

For info and contact, AEA Bethelem:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehemshelter/
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/aeabethlehemshelter/
Sito: https://www.bethlehemshelter.org/
Donations: https://heylink.me/BethlehemShelter/

During a war, in addition to thousands of innocent civilians affected, there are also thousands of animals that pay the price.

SITUATION IN THE GAZA STRIP

In the Gaza Strip, currently devastated by explosions and totally closed off, the organization “Sulala Animal Rescue” – the only registered organization for animals in Gaza – has been working tirelessly to care for strays in the area and rescue dogs and cats who have been abandoned or are in need of medical care welcoming them into their shelter.

Afraid and terrified for the sound of explosions, several stray dogs have begun to show up at the shelter looking for a safe place where to hide, which is why volunteers opened an area to give them free access. To date, the association is still able to provide food and water, but supplies will soon run out and volunteers are crying out for help not to leave the animals alone.

Since it is impossible to send material aid right now, we join the association’s heartfelt request for donations. Financial support is needed to buy pet food (still available for now), not only for their animals but also for strays and for those of families who are fleeing away or are asking for help because they have nothing left, as well as for other emergencies or to get fuel for the car.

Unfortunately, many gas stations are starting to run empty, and it is increasingly difficult to drive to the shelter. For this reason, volunteers in order to have the animals closer and be able to care for them daily, are transferring them to “safer” areas. To date, all 120 cats and around 50 dogs, of which 20 are disabled, have been evacuated and transferred to an area in Wadi Gaza, closer to volunteers’ homes, hoping that nothing happens to them.

OIPA will keep following the situation and provide updates.

For info and contact Sulala Animal Rescue:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SulalaSociety
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/sulalaanimalrescue/
Website: https://sulalaanimalrescue.com/
PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/HelpStreetAnimal

SITUATION IN THE WEST-BANK

Another area that is causing considerable concern is the West Bank where “AEA Bethlehem Shelter” – OIPA’s member league association – operates. In this area, volunteers are experiencing a situation of extreme uncertainty and concern: food for animals are running out and the huge presence of checkpoints restrict the access to further supplies.

Located 10 minutes away from 300 Israeli checkpoints and other settlements and 500 meters from an Israeli control tower, the shelter is surrounded by danger. AEA Bethelem Shelter hosts more than 100 dogs, 10 puppies and 40 cats and is managed by 10 volunteers and guardian. Diana, the shelter’s manager, tells us that she currently has at her home 9 dogs (4 from the shelter and 5 rescued from the street), 2 kittens and 15 cats.

AEA Bethlehem also takes care of strays who are experiencing the devastation of war and who can only rely on volunteers for their sustenance, volunteers who continue to provide them with food and water, risking their own lives.

The words of the association are touching: «Above all, our fervent hope and wish is for this bloody war to cease. Let’s come together as a community to support one another, human and animal alike, in the face of adversity.”

For info and contact, AEA Bethelem:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehemshelter/
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/aeabethlehemshelter/
Sito: https://www.bethlehemshelter.org/

Unable to provide material aid at the moment, OIPA has launched a fundraising campaign “Gaza – West bank Emergency” to help animals affected by war. All proceeds will be donated to the associations involved