As we know, the war in the Middle East is claiming millions of victims, and not just human ones. There are hundreds of stray and displaced animals that have no family, and even those that do have one may not receive the most appropriate care. The blockade imposed by Israel has prevented access to all necessities.
Shortly after the outbreak of the conflict in January 2024, OIPA International, thanks to specific fundraising for Gaza and the West Bank, was able to make an initial donation to its member association, AEA Bethlehem, in West Bank. This enabled volunteers to continue some of their daily activities to aid stray animals in need and the dogs and cats in their shelter.
We may now be close to a peace agreement, but destruction and poverty remain. Countless lives have been destroyed, both human and non-human, and we want to do what we can to restore hope to those who remain in Palestine.
If you don’t know it, the AEA Bethlehem Shelter is home to around 200 animals, including 60 cats and 150 dogs. But they don’t stop there: another initiative involves helping people to feed their pets, for which they pay.
The operators report to us that the situation for the animals is awful, even where there were no bombings. Due to the large number of stray dogs, municipalities use poison, and people kill them, too.
The shelter pays over 3,000 NIS (900 dollars) monthly to feed its residents, but it also feeds stray dogs and cats.
Medical costs are also very high. The average monthly cost of treating animals is around 3,000 dollars. This huge number of animals needs vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, and sterilisation.
The volunteers told us that they rely on a supplier for food and collaborate with various clinics in Bethlehem, Hebron, Ramallah, and the northern cities.
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