Gaza / PNN /

In the heart of Gaza’s Nuseirat neighborhood, 26-year-old Fadel Ismail Ahmed Nabhan has devoted his life to caring for animals in a region where both human and animal lives are constantly under threat. Despite the ongoing conflict and destruction that have devastated much of the area, Fadel’s commitment to the welfare of animals has only grown stronger.

For the past 18 years, Fadel has been dedicated to looking after a wide range of animals, including cats, dogs, and even falcons. A graduate in agricultural engineering, Fadel initially worked with vegetables before fully dedicating his time and resources to caring for animals. His passion for animal welfare began in childhood and has become an integral part of his life.

While the war in Gaza has forced many residents to flee, Fadel chose to stay in Nuseirat, where he continued to feed and care for animals even in the most challenging circumstances. During a particularly intense bombardment, he ventured to Nasser Hospital, where he fed around 400 cats that had been left without care due to the ongoing conflict.

The challenges Fadel faces are immense. With border crossings closed and the price of animal food skyrocketing, he has been forced to purchase food from his own limited funds. Despite these hardships, Fadel remains committed to providing the necessary care for these animals, stating, "I don’t just feed these animals to save them; I do it because I love them and want to promote a culture of kindness towards animals in this world."

Fadel’s dedication extends beyond just cats and dogs. He also cares for donkeys and horses, animals that have similarly suffered from the effects of the war. With the limited support he receives, Fadel uses barley to feed these creatures, who now endure the same hardships as the people around them.

Fadel dreams of one day establishing a large shelter where he can care for all the animals that have no one else to look after them. However, he acknowledges that the war has shattered many of his dreams and those of other young people in Gaza. Despite the bleak circumstances, Fadel remains hopeful that peace will one day return, allowing him to achieve his goal of creating a sanctuary for the animals he loves and to restore a sense of normalcy not only for humans but for all living beings in the region.