Tributes have been paid to an “exceptional” and “kind” Palestinian vet who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces as he returned to his home in northern Gaza after the ceasefire took effect.
Dr. Mu’ath Abu Rukbeh, 30, was killed when he crossed Israel’s “yellow line,” which marks a withdrawal point for Israeli forces in the occupied Strip, according to Sulala Animal Rescue where he worked. He is one of many Palestinians who have died crossing the border since the ceasefire.
Dr. Rukbeh left the tent where he lived in Deir Al Balah, central Gaza, on October 10 – the same day the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. He wanted to return to his home in Jabalia to collect his belongings as he had previously been displaced due to the war. His wife and two young sons, ages 3 and 20 months, stayed home for safety reasons.
According to Sulala, Dr. believed Mu’ath that it was safe to return home, as there was little communication or clarity from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as to where exactly the line began.
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Hours after he left Deir Al Balah, his family became concerned after losing all contact with him. He was missing for nine days and colleagues from Sulala and local residents were sent to look for him.
The search also involved Dr Mu’ath’s brother, who said he had found a row of dead bodies near the family home. He also claimed to have witnessed a person being killed by a drone for crossing the yellow line.
Dr. Mu’ath’s brother said he was just 500 meters away from the house when Israeli soldiers opened fire on him. He was unable to locate his brother’s body and hoped he had been captured rather than killed.
On October 19, Dr. Mu’ath’s body was discovered and his brother was alerted.
Annelies Keuleers, spokesperson for Sulala Animal Rescue, explains The independent: “He made a rational decision. He looked at the map, he tried to be safe and in the end he had terrible luck.
“He didn’t deserve this. His family didn’t deserve this. And we’re so sad that this happened, and we hope that no one else will be killed, but unfortunately we know that many more innocent people will probably be killed.”
Mrs. Keuleers described Dr. Mu’ath as a “very loyal” and “honest” person who was “always patient and kind” and very dedicated to his work, caring for animals and people.
Despite the lack of resources and medicine to treat animals during the war in Israel, he persevered and “never even asked for help.”
She added: “He was there for us every day at night, like if there was an emergency they could call him in the middle of the night and he would come and help an animal.”
The animal rescue organization where he worked also posted a video on X confirming the death of their veterinarian. Another spokesperson for Sulala Animal Rescue in the video said: “Dr. Mu’ath was very dear to us. We experienced difficult and beautiful days together. Dr. Mu’ath is a very exceptional person. He was so respectful and grateful. He treated people and animals with kindness.”
“Dr. Mu’ath has worked with us in so many cases. He was always ready to come and treat any animal. He was constantly able to come and help any animal. We are very sorry to lose him. We wish his family patience.”
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Dr. Mu’ath’s family was evacuated and displaced fourteen times during Israel’s brutal military offensive in Gaza. The price of land skyrocketed during the war, leaving the family unable to afford housing. He was therefore forced to dangerously place his family’s tent, along with two small children, on the roof of another relative’s house.
Last month, a UN commission concluded that Israel committed genocide in the Gaza Strip – which Israel denies.
The independent contacted the IDF about Dr. Mu’ath’s death but received no response.
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