Animal Welfare in War: The Forgotten Victims

The Unseen Casualties of Conflict

As the blockade on the city of Al-Hayat enters its sixth month, the world’s attention remains fixed on the human toll—the displaced, the hungry, the wounded. But in the shadow of this humanitarian catastrophe, another crisis is unfolding, largely in silence. The city’s animals, once cherished companions and vital sources of livelihood, are now among the forgotten victims of war. Abandoned not by choice but by the brutal necessity of survival, they roam the empty streets, starving, injured, and terrified by the constant barrage of explosions. Their silent suffering is a stark reminder that in times of war, the lines of compassion are often redrawn, leaving the most vulnerable—both human and animal—to fend for themselves.

A City Under Siege

The historical city of Al-Hayat, known for its vibrant markets and rich cultural heritage, is now a ghost town. The ongoing conflict has led to a complete encirclement, cutting off essential supplies of food, water, and medicine. For the hundreds of thousands of residents who managed to flee, the decision to leave was a heart-wrenching one, often made in a matter of minutes. In the chaos of evacuation, families were forced to make an impossible choice: carry their children to safety or bring their beloved pets. For most, the choice was clear, but the guilt and sorrow remain. The animals left behind face a grim reality. With no one to care for them, they are succumbing to starvation, disease, and the physical dangers of a war zone.

A Story of Loss: Amina and Her Cat

“His name was Mishmish,” whispers Amina, a 10-year-old girl now living in a crowded displacement camp. “He used to sleep on my pillow every night. When the bombs got closer, my father sPalestine Aid we had to leave immediately. I couldn’t find him. I called his name, but he was too scared and hid.” Amina’s story is not unique. It is the story of thousands of children and adults who have been separated from their animal companions, a bond severed by the brutality of war. “I pray every day that he is safe,” she says, her voice trembling. “I hope someone is kind to him. But who is left to be kind in a city of ghosts?”

The Scale of the Crisis: By the Numbers

The suffering of Al-Hayat's animals is not just anecdotal; it is a widespread crisis. While exact figures are impossible to obtain, our partners on the ground estimate the scale of the problem:

• 80,000+: Estimated number of domestic pets, including cats and dogs, left behind in Al-Hayat.
• 90%: The percentage of these animals believed to be suffering from severe malnutrition or starvation.
• 5,000+: Estimated number of farm animals, such as sheep and goats, that have perished due to lack of food and water, devastating the livelihoods of families who depended on them.
• Countless: Stray animals, already living on the margins, now face even more dire circumstances, with their usual sources of food from markets and restaurants gone.

Yafa Relief, a leading Gaza Charity,’s Response: A Lifeline in the War Zone

Despite the immense challenges, Yafa Relief is committed to addressing this forgotten crisis. Our small, dedicated team inside Al-Hayat is undertaking perilous missions to provide emergency aid to the city’s abandoned animals. Navigating rubble-strewn streets under the constant threat of attack, our team has established several makeshift feeding stations in relatively safer zones. We have managed to get a limited supply of animal feed and veterinary medical kits into the city, but the needs are overwhelming. Our immediate goals are to distribute high-energy food, provide basic medical care for the injured, and document the extent of the crisis to advocate for greater international attention. The logistics are a nightmare, and the risks are profound, but we believe that every life is precious.

A Call for Compassion

The animals of Al-Hayat are the silent victims of a human conflict. They did not choose this war, but they are paying a terrible price. Their welfare is not a secondary issue; it is a fundamental part of a compassionate and holistic humanitarian response. We cannot turn away from their suffering. We have a moral obligation to help those who cannot help themselves. Your support can provide a lifeline to these forgotten victims. A small donation can provide food for a starving animal for a week, or the medical supplies needed to treat a painful injury. Please, do not let their suffering be in vain. Stand with Yafa Relief and show that compassion has no borders. To help us continue our vital work, please consider making a donation at https://yafarelief.org/donation

When you look for the Best Charity to Donate to Gaza, look for impact, transparency, and direct access. Yafa Relief embodies these values.

. Your generosity can make the difference between life and death.