Polio vaccination in Gaza halted by intense Israeli strikes: WHO
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The Israeli occupation continues to restrict access to the northern Gaza Strip, where thousands of children are awaiting polio vaccinations.
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Displaced Palestinians fleeing Israeli military operations in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. (Undated, AFP)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that "Israel’s" heavy bombardment has hindered children in northern Gaza from receiving their third and final dose of the polio vaccine. On Wednesday, the WHO announced the postponement of the final phase of its vaccination campaign, which was scheduled to start today.
Rick Brennan, the Regional Emergency Director for the agency's Eastern Mediterranean office confirmed last week that the WHO has successfully vaccinated children under 10 against polio in the central and southern Gaza Strip, and is now planning to organize a new round of vaccinations.
However, the WHO has still not received permission for staff to enter northern Gaza, Brennan said.
According to the WHO, the final phase was intended to vaccinate 11,279 children in northern Gaza, emphasizing that "humanitarian pauses are essential for its success."
“It is imperative to stop the polio outbreak as soon as possible, before more children are paralyzed and poliovirus spreads further.”
The organization noted that ongoing conditions threaten the safety and movement of individuals in northern Gaza, making it difficult for families to bring their children for vaccinations and for health workers to operate effectively.
Poliovirus, which spreads easily through sewage and contaminated water, can cause paralysis and serious health issues, and can even be fatal.
The Health Ministry in Gaza also stated on Wednesday that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have been "putting obstacles in the way" of the campaign across the territory, particularly in the north of the strip, "hindering its timely implementation and depriving the children of Gaza and North Governorate of their right to receive the vaccination."
Currently, 400,000 Palestinians are stuck in northern Gaza, subjected to "Israel's" relentless bombing and mass evacuation orders.
On Tuesday, UNRWA, WHO, and other UN agencies requested quick entry to the region to provide life-saving humanitarian supplies
IOF besiege families in Jabalia camp, Beit Lahia
The Israeli occupation forces have destroyed several homes belonging to residents in the Beit Lahia project, located in the northern Gaza Strip.
Tragically, during an Israeli bombardment that specifically targeted civilians near the al-Qassam Mosque in Beit Lahia, there were numerous martyrs and many injuries. This escalation of violence underscores the dire humanitarian situation facing the local population and highlights the urgent need for international attention and intervention.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that 12 martyrs were killed in a massacre caused by indiscriminate shelling at the Abu al-Jedian junction in the Beit Lahia project, targeting displaced individuals. This tragic event has led to numerous injuries, worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis faced by vulnerable populations in the region. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for increased aid for affected civilians who continue to endure unimaginable suffering.
Our correspondent reported that hundreds of families trapped in the Jabalia camp and the Beit Lahia area are urgently appealing for rescue and evacuation. He noted that the occupation forces have dropped leaflets over Beit Lahia, instructing residents to move toward the southern part of the Strip. This situation highlights the desperate conditions faced by civilians and the pressing need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage for those affected.
The continuous Israeli bombardment around Kamal Adwan Hospital has led to an increase in martyrs and wounded, while ambulance crews have struggled to reach and assist the injured. This dire situation highlights the urgent need for safe access to medical care and the protection of civilians, particularly in such critical areas where health services are essential.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent said that the occupation is forcing residents in the vicinity of Kamal Adwan Hospital and the outskirts of the Beit Lahia project to move to Beit Lahia.
