In a recent development amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, several children were given polio vaccines ahead of a crucial vaccination drive. This initial distribution took place at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, with reports showing that around 10 infants received their doses on Saturday. Local resident Amal Shaheen expressed her relief and concern, saying she had been eagerly waiting for the vaccines to arrive for her daughter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that a large, coordinated rollout of the polio vaccine is set to begin on Sunday.
The campaign is a crucial response to a recent outbreak: the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years was identified earlier this month. The vaccination effort is designed to reach around 640,000 children across the territory over the course of three days. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reports from Der-el Balah that the initial phase of the vaccination drive will begin in central Gaza. The next phases are planned for Khan Yunis and then the northern part of the Gaza Strip. This phased approach aims to maximize access and efficiency given the complex logistical challenges in the region. Israel has agreed to implement temporary pauses in its military operations to facilitate the vaccination drive. According to UN officials, these pauses are scheduled from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time and will last for three days in different parts of Gaza.
The initiative is a rare concession amid the ongoing conflict, and is crucial to ensure that health workers can effectively administer vaccines. Rick Pepperkorn, WHO representative in the Palestinian territory, highlighted the logistical difficulties of these pauses. The abbreviated time period for travel and movement can pose challenges for families trying to reach vaccination sites. Former WHO official Mukesh Kapila said there are legitimate concerns about the safety of health workers and the public given the recent targeting of health facilities in the conflict. The situation in Gaza has been dire since October 7, when a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel resulted in a large number of casualties. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has led to widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Reports suggest that more than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the assault. The violence has also led to numerous attacks
on healthcare facilities, making an already dire situation even more dire. On Saturday, the Palestinian Civil Defense reported that at least three people were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli attack near Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, also known as Baptist Hospital. The facility had also been targeted previously, resulting in hundreds of deaths in an earlier attack. Mediation efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing, with the United States, Qatar and Egypt playing a key role in the talks. However, these negotiations have faced significant obstacles. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to achieving “complete victory” over Hamas, while Palestinian groups demand a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. As the vaccination campaign progresses, the international community remains deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis continues, and the fragile nature of the conflict pauses, underscore the challenges faced by those working to provide essential services amid ongoing hostilities.