1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing on behalf of Sulala Animal Rescue in Gaza, the sole animal rights organization in the Gaza Strip. In the midst of the ongoing bombardment of Palestinian civilians, homes, and infrastructure, I draw your attention to the critical situation faced by innocent animals in Gaza. Since October 9th, the Gaza Strip has endured a complete blockade on the entry of animal food, leaving millions of animals in dire need. Sulala Animal Rescue, actively providing food to displaced individuals with pets during the continuous, unending bombing, had to cease operations in mid-December due to dwindling supplies. As of January 2nd, only two bags of food remain for the 120 cats and 30 dogs (including 20 disabled ones) under their care. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Simultaneously, the animals' lives as well as the lives of their caretakers are in peril due to ongoing bombings, and Sulala is struggling to find a secure location to protect themselves and the animals in their care. The rescue has already had to evacuate and relocate all of their animals twice now due to orders from Israeli occupation forces and threats of violence. You must assist in addressing three critical issues: 1. Entry of Food for All Animals Alongside Food for All Humans: Put pressure on the Israeli government to permit multiple trucks of animal food through the Kerem Shalom crossing, urgently needed for the millions of cats, dogs, donkeys, horses, and birds residing in Gaza. It is also clear from reporters in Gaza that there is simply not enough food entering Gaza whatsoever for humans and animals alike, though there are lines of trucks at the border full of aid waiting to enter. 2. Designation of a Safe Area for Animals: We request you pressure the Israeli occupation forces to designate a secure zone within the Gaza Strip where Sulala can relocate the animals, ensuring their safety amid the intense violence and shelling. It must also be noted that the occupation forces have designated “safe” passageways and evacuation areas to civilians but have later attacked those “safe” areas with bombs and gun violence, causing mass casualties. Sulala Animal Rescue needs a permanent zone of security where their safety will be truly honored. 3. Permit for Rescue Operations in the North: We seek a permit to access the northern area of Gaza, where abandoned animals are starving and wounded. This region is currently prohibited for Palestinians to enter. Reporters and civilians who have not left the northern area of Gaza have witnessed stray animals eating human corpses in the street. The situation is dire. We need your support in urging the American government to leverage its influence in demanding the Israeli government address these matters now. Your advocacy can save lives. We expect to have your assistance in this urgent humanitarian cause.