Houssein Hamze, 57, remained in his village of Zefta, south Lebanon, during the recent Hezbollah-Israel war, which started on 2 March 2026. He was one of about 20 people who stayed behind, prioritising the care of animals despite the constant threat of Israeli drone and airstrikes.
Hamze, who founded the Mashala shelter after a near-death experience during the 2006 war, continued his work of rescuing and feeding animals. He made daily rounds in his truck, distributing food and water to abandoned dogs and livestock in south Lebanese villages. He also untied animals left behind by residents who had fled.
The Mashala shelter, located on Hamze's farm, currently houses around 200 dogs, two camels, horses, chickens, and geese. During the conflict, about 50 dogs came to the shelter independently seeking food. Hamze stated he was not afraid for himself, but for the animals, fearing who would care for them if he died.
Since a ceasefire in June ended most of the fighting, life at the shelter has largely returned to normal. Hamze's wartime efforts, including videos of him feeding dogs despite drones, gained him recognition in Lebanon and led to an increase in donations, which are now reportedly decreasing. He continues to receive numerous calls daily for animal rescues as displaced people return home.