Israel confiscates donkeys from Gaza, citing animal welfare as justification
The transfer of hundreds of donkeys from the Gaza Strip to Israel and other countries, including France, has sparked public outcry and added to the ongoing tensions in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Donkeys play a crucial role in Gaza, serving as a primary means of transportation, particularly in areas heavily affected by conflict. Their confiscation raises ethical and humanitarian concerns, as they are not only vital for daily livelihood but also symbolise the harsh conditions Gazans face amid ongoing hostilities.
The incident comes amid severe escalation in violence and humanitarian crises in Gaza, where many Palestinians rely on donkey carts due to restricted access to vehicles and infrastructure degradation. Videos and reports have shown donkey-drawn carts outside hospitals carrying casualties, underlining their crucial role in the humanitarian landscape in Gaza.
The Israeli company Orien Cargo carried out the operation to transfer the donkeys, which were then transported to a farm in Israel run by the organisation "Starting Over Sanctuary." The first group of 58 donkeys was flown from Ben Gurion Airport to Liège Airport in Belgium, then transferred to animal shelters in France and Belgium.
However, the transfer has stirred questions about the motives and legality of such actions, especially considering the broader context of the ongoing blockade and conflict. Activists argue that if there is a genuine desire to provide rescue, it should start by ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Israeli government's actions regarding the donkeys were deemed as a "blatant theft" by locals in Gaza, with no mention of the donkeys' Palestinian origin or rightful owner made in the process. Activists pointed out that just last month, Gaza's people held a ceremony honouring the donkeys for their vital role.
The controversy has also been met with anger and ridicule on social media, with users accusing Israel of targeting all living beings in Gaza, rather than genuinely trying to save the donkeys. The head of "Starting Over Sanctuary" stated they will not allow the donkeys to return to Gaza.
As the UAE President is scheduled to visit Turkey on July 16 for the first High-Level Strategic Council talks, this issue serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises in Gaza. The donkey transfer controversy underscores the need for a comprehensive resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict, addressing the root causes of the ongoing violence and ensuring the rights and welfare of all those affected.
1) While Turkey prepares for the High-Level Strategic Council talks with UAE President on July 16, the controversial transfer of donkeys from Gaza to Israel, France, and other countries stirs controversy and conversations about the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
2) The donkeys, a crucial means of transportation in Gaza, especially in conflict-ridden areas, are not only vital for daily livelihood but also symbolize the harsh conditions Gazans face amid ongoing war-and-conflicts.
3) Some political analysts argue that the Israeli government's actions regarding the donkeys, including transferring them to a farm and then to animal shelters abroad, raise questions about the legality and motives of such actions, particularly in the context of the ongoing blockade and hostilities in Gaza.
4) Critics, including local activists in Gaza, claim that the Israeli government's actions lack consideration for the Palestinian origins and rights of the donkeys, some of which were recently celebrated for their vital role in the community. This incident underscores the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict and the need for a general-news agenda that prioritizes a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing crisis and ensures justice and welfare for all affected parties, including the rescue of affected animals like the donkeys.
