Palestinian boy killed by lion at private zoo in Gaza

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A Palestinian boy was mauled to death by a lion in a private zoo in the Gaza Strip today, according to the coastal territory’s police force, run by the Hamas terror group.

Police officers say 6-year-old Hamada Iqtiet had climbed the fence in the zoo in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, and reached an opening in the cage before the lion mauled him. An investigation was underway, they say.

The boy’s family disputes the account, saying Hamada — who was visiting the Asdaa Park with his mother and other family members, according to relatives — had only reached an outer fence, where the lion was standing, when he was attacked.

It was the first known fatality from animals kept at private zoos in the crowded and impoverished Palestinian territory. Gaza has several small private zoos where animals are kept in deplorable conditions.

The animals have suffered from repeated fighting between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers, neglect, starvation, and lack of medical care. International animal welfare groups have carried out several missions to evacuate animals, especially lions, to safe havens in Jordan and Africa.