GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Palestinian boy was mauled to demise by a lion in a non-public zoo within the Gaza Strip on Monday, in response to the coastal territory’s police drive, run by the militant Hamas group.
Law enforcement officials stated 6-year-old Hamada Iqtiet had climbed the fence within the zoo within the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, and reached a gap within the cage earlier than the lion mauled him. An investigation was underway, they stated.
The boy’s household disputed the account, saying Hamada — who was visiting the Asdaa Park along with his mom and different members of the family, in response to relations — had solely reached an outer fence, the place the lion was standing, when he was attacked.
It was the primary recognized fatality from animals saved at personal zoos within the crowded and impoverished Palestinian territory. Gaza has a number of small personal zoos the place animals are saved in deplorable situations.
The animals have suffered from repeated preventing between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers, neglect, hunger and lack of medical care. Worldwide animal welfare teams have carried out a number of missions to evacuate animals, particularly lions, to secure havens in Jordan and Africa.