It felt like an “earthquake from the sky” when an Israeli airstrike hit the clinic Dr Saif Alden had left just minutes earlier. Alden had been treating animals hurt and abandoned amid Gaza’s destruction. They survived but the equipment and medication the mobile clinic needed to function was destroyed.Still, the team saw it as a setback, not a defeat. Alden has spent the month since the airstrike traversing Gaza to scavenge the tools needed to resume operations.“It was a test of our purpose, our mission and our resilience,” says Alden, team leader for a mobile clinic run by the charity Safe Havens for Donkeys. “It was a miracle that we survived.These donkeys are the last thread connecting people to the basic services they desperately need“And survival wasn’t the end of the story – it was just the beginning of another struggle. The attack took from us all the tools we use to save lives.“We’ve started again, from zero, because the animals are still here. They still need us. And we will never abandon them.”Alden’s team operates a mobile clinic that has treated more than 7,000 donkeys and thousands of other animals since the outbreak of the currentwar in Gazain October 2023. Donkeys are a lifeline for many Palestinians in Gaza.Israel’s bombardment hasdecimated Gaza’s infrastructure, destroying roads and leaving few functioning vehicles, while its blockade of the Palestinian territory makesfuel for transport difficult to find.Donkeys have filled the gap, used to transport goods and people – as they search daily for food, water and fuel, to get to hospitals and to transport them with their belongings each time Israeli forces order thousands to leave an area.View image in fullscreenA donkey pulls a cart with a displaced family’s belongings from Beit Lahiya to Gaza City last month.Photograph: Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images“These donkeys are the last thread connecting people to the basic services they desperately need,” says Alden.“We’ve seen donkeys in Gaza who’ve saved lives – transporting pregnant women to hospitals to give birth, carrying the injured to safety, standing by the side of those who have lost everything, offering warmth when all else is cold. They give without asking for anything in return.”The Safe Haven team have continued to work despite the airstrike on 13 March, and other challenges before that including near-misses, roadblocks and the struggle to find food or shelter.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toGlobal DispatchFree newsletterGet a different world view with a roundup of the best news, features and pictures, curated by our global development teamEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionView image in fullscreenA donkey hit by shrapnel is treated by a member of the veterinary team in Khan Younis.Photograph: Courtesy of Safe Haven for DonkeysThe mobile clinic travels across Gaza, stationing itself in different areas on appointed days so those with wounded animals can bring them for treatment.But the team also scours the destroyed landscape for those animals left behind, takes calls from the owners of ailing and injured donkeys, and responds to requests to rescue animals from even the most dangerous areas.The treatment process is a careful one: each animal is sensitively approached and assessed then given the correct treatment, whether for a wound, a broken limb or malnutrition. Finally, they wait and hope the animal can recover with their limited resources.Long-term effects of Gaza war could quadruple Palestinian death toll, warn UK doctorsRead moreAlden says they go through a personal journey with each animal, which involves offering each one sensitivity and dignity after the traumas it would have experienced. And while it relies on science, the little equipment they have to heal the animals means the team also depend on sheer willpower.“When they get better, we don’t celebrate – they aren’t trophies. We quietly stand by their side, just as we have been standing by every other animal we’ve helped. But inside, a part of us whispers a prayer of gratitude,” says Alden.“When we help them, we are not simply saving a life; we are preserving a sacred bond between humans and animals. We are keeping hope alive.”
‘The last thread connecting people to services’: why vets are risking all to care for Gaza’s donkeys
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Veterinarians in Gaza Continue to Care for Donkeys Amid Ongoing Conflict"
The Guardian
5.7
TruthLens AI Summary
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Dr. Saif Alden and his team from the charity Safe Havens for Donkeys are facing immense challenges as they provide veterinary care to the region's donkeys, which play a crucial role in the lives of many Palestinians. Just minutes after Alden left their mobile clinic, an Israeli airstrike destroyed their equipment and medication, posing a significant setback for their operations. However, Alden and his team are determined to persevere, viewing the destruction as a test of their mission and resilience. They have started from scratch, scavenging for the necessary tools to treat the donkeys, which they believe are essential for connecting people to vital services amid the chaos. Alden emphasizes that these animals have been instrumental in transporting individuals to hospitals and providing support to those who have lost everything, showcasing their importance in the community during this difficult time.
Despite the risks and challenges, including near-misses and finding adequate shelter, the mobile clinic continues to operate across Gaza, offering treatment to donkeys that have suffered from injuries and malnutrition. The team not only responds to calls for help but also actively seeks out animals in need, ensuring that they receive the care they deserve. Alden describes the process of treating each animal as a personal journey, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and dignity in their care. Although resources are limited, the team relies on their determination to heal these animals, recognizing that their work goes beyond mere veterinary care. They are preserving the bond between humans and animals and fostering hope in a region where such sentiments are in short supply. For Alden and his team, every recovery is not a celebration but a quiet affirmation of their commitment to both the animals and the people of Gaza, reinforcing their belief in the importance of compassion amidst adversity.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article provides a poignant glimpse into the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing specifically on the efforts of veterinarians to care for donkeys, which play a critical role in the lives of many Palestinians. The narrative highlights the resilience of Dr. Saif Alden and his team amidst the devastation caused by airstrikes, emphasizing the importance of these animals as a means of transport and connection to essential services.
Purpose of the Article
The intention behind this report appears to be to raise awareness about the dire situation in Gaza, particularly regarding how the conflict affects not only humans but also animals that serve as lifelines for the community. By highlighting the work of veterinarians like Alden, the article seeks to evoke empathy and support for humanitarian efforts in the region. The story serves to humanize the broader conflict, illustrating the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare in times of crisis.
Public Perception
The article aims to create a sense of urgency and compassion among readers. It portrays the veterinarians as heroes, risking their lives to provide care for animals that symbolize hope and resilience. This portrayal can foster a more favorable view of humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones, encouraging public support and donations.
Possible Omissions
While the article effectively highlights the plight of animals and the dedication of those caring for them, it may downplay the broader political context and the complexities of the conflict. By focusing almost exclusively on the veterinarians' efforts, it risks oversimplifying the situation and neglecting the multitude of factors contributing to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Manipulative Elements
The narrative may be seen as somewhat manipulative due to its emotional appeal. By concentrating on the struggles of animals and their caretakers, the article elicits sympathy without providing a comprehensive view of the conflict's origins and implications. This could lead to a skewed understanding of the situation, as readers may focus solely on the emotional aspects rather than the larger political and social issues at play.
Comparative Context
When compared to other reports on the Gaza conflict, this article stands out for its unique focus on animal welfare. Most coverage tends to concentrate on human casualties and geopolitical ramifications. However, this approach could be part of a broader trend in media to capture diverse narratives emerging from conflict zones, thus enriching the overall discourse.
Impact on Society and Politics
The article could influence public opinion by drawing attention to the humanitarian impacts of the conflict, potentially prompting calls for increased support for humanitarian organizations. This could lead to greater awareness and action regarding the needs of both humans and animals affected by war.
Target Audience
The report likely resonates with animal welfare advocates, humanitarian organizations, and individuals interested in the complexities of the Gaza crisis. It appeals to those who prioritize empathy and compassion for all living beings, regardless of the broader political context.
Economic Implications
In terms of economic impact, the article may not have a direct influence on stock markets or global financial conditions. However, it could spur increased donations to NGOs involved in humanitarian efforts, indirectly affecting organizations focused on animal welfare or humanitarian aid.
Global Power Dynamics
The focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is relevant to current global discussions about conflict resolution and humanitarian intervention. This narrative may contribute to ongoing debates about international responsibilities toward war-torn regions and the protection of vulnerable populations, including animals.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
While it is difficult to ascertain whether AI was used in crafting the article, elements such as structured information delivery and emotionally charged language could suggest the influence of AI-assisted writing tools. If AI were involved, it may have been used to analyze data on public sentiment regarding humanitarian issues, shaping the article's emotional appeal. The article's overall reliability hinges on its emotional narrative and specific focus. While it effectively highlights a critical aspect of the humanitarian crisis, its potential omission of broader political contexts may limit its comprehensiveness. Thus, while the story is compelling and important, readers should approach it with an awareness of the complexities underlying the situation.