Ruptly
"Lebanese primate lover Hussein Mezayyel has chosen to defy Israeli evacuation orders and remain in the southern city of Tyre, to be together with his pet monkey, Sandra. Footage filmed on Friday shows Hussein playing with Sandra, while other shots show the two traveling through the city together. He explained that he has been living with Sandra in his car, venturing out only when necessary, such as to wash. Hussein says Sandra is far more than just a pet. “She is not just an animal, it is as though I have a child. I take care of her like a daughter who is attached to me, and I love her very much.” “I would have considered placing her with an animal welfare organisation if she could adapt to another caregiver, but my soul is bound to hers. Anyone who understands animals knows this kind is like a child. She now sees me as both her father and mother. Look how she sleeps in my arms. Any animal that sleeps in its owner’s embrace feels safe,” he shared. He explained he feels like a ‘fish out of water’ outside his city, Tyre, hence his decision to stay and cope as best he can. Mezayyal also appealed to the authorities to ‘allow pets into schools and shelters,’ warning that cats and dogs are dying on the streets and leaving animals without refuge means ‘suffering for them.’ According to the latest figures issued by Lebanon’s Disaster Risk Management Unit at the Prime Ministry Office, the total number of displaced people has surpassed one million, with more than 100,000 currently housed in shelters. Tensions have escalated across the Middle East since the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, amid diplomatic talks aimed at 'curbing Iran's nuclear and missile programmes'. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US assets in the region, accompanied by reports of explosions in several Gulf countries. Iran later confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei named as his successor. The conflict spilt over into Lebanon as Hezbollah intervened 'in revenge' for the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, were disrupted following its closure. The latest escalation has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel, rattling global energy markets and sparking protests in several countries. "
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