Rafah Zoo

Born out of owner Fathi al-Juma's love for animals, the Zoo in Rafah was opened in the year 2003. Being the only zoo in Gaza, it soon became very popular. In May 2004, however, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) destroyed the zoo completely. During a nine days incursion to Rafah, IDF did not only demolish approximately 200 homes in Gaza, killing more than 50 Palestinians. In addition, the IDF flattened down the zoo with tanks and bulldozers, resulting in the death or escape of almost all the animals.

Today, Fathi is rebuilding the zoo.

All the photographs in this series were taken in Rafah, in summer 2003.