Vacination Campaign Begins in Gaza Amid Fighting Pause, Aims to Prevent Polio Outbreak

A public health initiative to vaccinate children in Gaza against polio and prevent the spread of the virus commenced on Saturday, a day before the large-scale rollout and a planned temporary pause in military operations agreed upon by Israel and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Vaccination Campaign Initiated

Children in Gaza began receiving vaccines, as announced by the Strip's Hamas-controlled health ministry during a news conference. Associated Press reporters witnessed a dozen infants receiving doses of the vaccine at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis on Saturday afternoon. Amal Shaheen, a parent present during the vaccination, expressed her relief, stating, "I was terrified and waiting for the vaccination to arrive and for everyone to receive it."

Israel's temporary pause in military operations on Sunday is meant to allow health workers to implement the campaign to administer polio vaccines to approximately 650,000 Palestinian children, as confirmed by the U.N. WHO. Dr. Yousef Abu Al-Rish, the deputy health minister, emphasized the need for a cease-fire to enable the teams to reach all targeted individuals for the campaign. The pause is expected to last at least nine hours and is a result of an agreement with WHO, rather than ongoing cease-fire negotiations.

The campaign targets children who missed vaccinations due to the conflicts between Israel and Hamas. A tragic case drawing attention is that of 10-month-old Abdel-Rahman Abu El-Jedian, who was partially paralyzed by a mutated strain of the virus that vaccinated individuals shed in their waste. The infant was not vaccinated as he was born just before the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive on Gaza, which prevented many children from receiving their vaccinations.

Living Conditions Impacting Healthcare Access

The dire living conditions in camps for displaced Palestinians have prevented mothers like Neveen Abu El Jidyan from seeking necessary medical treatments for their children. El Jidyan, living in a tent with her nine other children, reported a lack of medication and clean living conditions, which she believes contributed to her son Abdul Rahman's illness. "Our living conditions — we don't have clean water, clean food. We live in a tent and nothing is clean here," she lamented.

Global Efforts and Internal Conflicts Persist

The polio vaccination campaign in Gaza is a part of the global efforts to eradicate polio. Polio has been eliminated from most parts of the world, but the potential for an outbreak in Gaza has been a cause for concern among healthcare workers. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, aggravated by the war, has increased the risk of a polio outbreak, as the region faces challenges in basic sanitation and healthcare access.

Amid these challenges, Gaza's Health Ministry reported on Saturday significant casualties, with 89 dead, including 26 in an overnight Israeli bombardment, and 205 wounded. The high casualty numbers continue to impact the Palestinian population, with fears of a polio outbreak compounded by the ongoing conflicts.

The situation remains tense, with parts of the West Bank experiencing unrest as Israel continues its military campaign, the deadliest since the Israel-Hamas war began. The conflict has resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

International Mediators' Efforts

International mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have been engaged in efforts to broker a cease-fire and facilitate the release of remaining hostages. However, the negotiations have faced challenges as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a stance of seeking "total victory" over Hamas, while the militant group demands a lasting cease-fire and complete withdrawal from the territory.

Looking Ahead

The polio vaccination campaign signifies a crucial step in addressing the health challenges faced by children in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflicts. The commitment to inoculate approximately 650,000 Palestinian children reflects the urgent need to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations in the region. However, the success of the campaign relies on the ability to establish a conducive environment for its implementation, free from the disruptions of military operations and ongoing tensions.

As Gaza continues to grapple with the impact of the conflict, the international community's role in supporting humanitarian efforts and facilitating a sustainable peace remains pivotal in shaping the future of the region.