- Rafah Zoo animals forced to evacuate
- Zoo worker Samer Juma described the situation as "disastrous"
- The conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis
The Rafah Zoo in the Gaza Strip was forced to evacuate some of its animals amid Israel’s military offensive in the area.
However, three elderly lions, cats, guard dogs, and turtles were left behind due to time constraints, according to the zoo’s owner, Fathi Juma.
The remaining animals are at risk of starvation and death if not fed and cared for soon.
Some animals were evacuated to a cow farm in Khan Younis, but they are also facing difficult conditions due to a lack of food.
Zoo worker Samer Juma described the situation as “disastrous,” with animals being fed canned food and beans to survive.
The conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, with over a million Palestinians displaced and widespread hunger and famine reported.
The Israeli Prime Minister has stated that the military operation aims to eliminate Hamas’ presence in Rafah, while Palestinian officials report high civilian casualties.
