Israeli strikes kill 48 in Gaza as polio vaccination campaign faces Uncertainty

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, September 1st, 2024

RKI Web Desk!

Israeli airstrikes on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 48 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities, just ahead of a planned polio vaccination drive. The United Nations aims to vaccinate around 640,000 children in the region, relying on daily eight-hour pauses in strikes to reach targeted areas.

Gaza’s Deputy Health Minister, Yousef Abu Al-Reesh, stressed the need for a comprehensive ceasefire to ensure the campaign’s success, noting that without it, many children might remain unvaccinated. The urgency of the campaign follows the recent confirmation of a case of partial paralysis in a baby due to the type 2 polio virus, the first such case in 25 years.

Medics in Gaza began administering vaccines symbolically at Nasser Hospital, ahead of the official start of the campaign. However, the initiative faces significant challenges amid ongoing violence. On the same day, Israeli strikes in Nuseirat and other areas resulted in the deaths of over 30 people, including nine members of a single family.

As the conflict continues, Gaza remains in a dire situation with over 40,600 Palestinians killed in the past 11 months, widespread displacement, and severe humanitarian crises. The International Court of Justice has indicated Israel could face genocide allegations. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue operations in the occupied West Bank, particularly in the city of Jenin.