Support Dr Mu’ath’s surviving family here: https://gofund.me/7a6f5771a

UPDATE 22ND OCTOBER 2025:

Dear supporters,

Unfortunately this update does not bear good news. It is with deep sadness that we regret to inform you of the reports that Dr Mu’ath’s body has been found (based on an update from Sulala Animal Rescue). May his soul rest in peace.

This loss is one that is devastating to his local and our wider global community. He lives on in his legacy and how profoundly he has touched all of our hearts.

Our prayers are with his wife Rania and his two children that he is survived by.

Please do watch this space as we look for ways in which we can support his family in light of their devastating loss, which we hope to update you with shortly.

Thank you all for your support so far. Please do not stop speaking up about Dr Mu’ath and his legacy. The occupation must end. Palestine deserves to be free. 

Petition description:

Dr Mu'ath Abu Rukba, a volunteer veterinary surgeon for Sulala Animal Rescue was reported missing as of October 10th 2025 while attempting to return to his home in Jabalia, north Gaza.

Dr Mu'ath is known for his utmost care and dedication in treating the animals within the Gaza strip, working tirelessly with extremely limited resources. He and his family suffered displacement from their home due to the air strikes in Gaza, and have struggled with unstable access to food, clean water and permanent shelter. Despite this, he has continued to serve as a faithful volunteer to provide veterinary aid to his patients.

The conditions of his disappearance are a cause of heightening concern for his loved ones, the team at Sulala Animal Rescue, the team at UK Vets for Palestine and by the wider community. Sadly, efforts to contact Dr Mu'ath so far have been unsuccessful. Israeli military operations in the area have made recent attempts to search for Dr Mu'ath extremely dangerous, as previous search parties have been met with active gunfire. 

His expertise, hard work and compassion are irreplaceable assets to the Gazan community; it is time for us to return the favour. As veterinary professionals, and as humans, our moral responsibilities transcend far beyond the borders of the countries we reside in. We have a duty to advocate for our fellow veterinary colleague's safe return.  

We urge veterinary authorities to broadcast the alarming situation regarding Dr Mu'ath's disappearance, and for international and local humanitarian organisations to prioritise an effective search strategy for his return. We call on the global community to unite and advocate for Dr Mu'ath. His family, colleagues, and the animals he cherished are waiting anxiously for his return.

We, as members of UK Vets for Palestine, ask you to please lend your voice to this urgent cause and help ensure Dr Mu'ath Abu Rukba is brought home safely. Please sign this petition and share with as many people as you can to make a difference.