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Gaza's horses still in shock from last year’s war

The Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip last year led to the death of several horses across the enclave and left dozens in a state of shock.
A Palestinian youth washes his family's horse in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, Feb. 24, 2020.

Horses are sensitive animals that need care, attention, psychological comfort and a healthy diet. When exposed to traumatic circumstances, their psyche is affected and they lose their appetite. To recover and rebuild their muscles, sedatives are often used in their recovery.

Horseback riding is a sport that creates a close relationship between the horse and its rider. The animals need a safe environment, but the Gaza Strip does not offer this due to the recurrent Israeli military operations over the years, which led this type of sport to almost vanish.

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