Belgian airport used as transit hub for controversial donkey flights from Gaza
Liège Airport has been used as a transit point for a series of donkey airlifts from Gaza to animal sanctuaries in France, the Belgian newspapers Het Nieuwsblad and Gazet van Antwerpen report. The operation was led by Starting Over Sanctuary, an Israeli non-profit organisation, and is said to be a compassionate mission. However, critics argue that it is politically charged and ethically questionable.
On 29 July, the group announced its tenth flight, transporting 50 donkeys via Liège to southern France, where they will be placed in various sanctuaries, including facilities linked to the Fondation Brigitte Bardot. Photos and footage posted by the organisation clearly show Liège Airport's logo, confirming the transit route.
Israel will rescue your donkey, but not your child
While the charity describes the animals as abandoned and in critical condition, media outlet Al Jazeera+ paints a different picture. It accuses Israel of smuggling animals out of Gaza under the guise of rescue, while humanitarian aid for starving civilians is being blocked. In its coverage, Al Jazeera quotes Palestinian political analyst Ahmed Najar, who describes the practice as an example of dehumanisation: "Israel will rescue your donkey, but not your child."
Critics claim that the donkeys, which are essential to daily life and survival in Gaza, especially during evacuations, are being stolen rather than saved. The alleged aim is to restrict Palestinian mobility during wartime.
Donkey Flying Project
In response, Starting Over Sanctuary, which is run by Israeli activist Sharon Cohen, insists that its work is politically neutral and motivated by "compassion and a deep respect for life". Since October 2023, the group says it has evacuated around 600 donkeys, mostly through the "Donkey Flying Project".
We simply provide the infrastructure
At Liège Airport, spokesperson Christian Delcourt confirmed the flights, but stressed that the airport plays a passive role. “We simply provide the infrastructure. The animals stay here for less than 24 hours before continuing their journey. Most arrive in poor health.”
Delcourt added that the airport is one of Europe’s main hubs for transporting live animals, particularly horses, with up to 7,000 handled annually. However, donkey shipments remain rare.
Varying regional legislation
Elsewhere in Belgium, there is little involvement. A Walloon farmer previously took in 28 donkeys before the war broke out, but recent changes to regional legislation now prohibit the import of foreign animals for private care. In Flanders, there are no known centres currently hosting donkeys from Gaza.
Animal welfare NGO Gaia has expressed cautious scepticism. "We believe that animals in distress must be helped", said director Ann De Greef. "But flying them to Europe isn’t a sustainable solution. Ideally, they should be cared for where they are. My heart breaks when I see a suffering donkey. It breaks just as much for a suffering child in Gaza.”
© ANP
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