Israel’s military and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have agreed to three separate, zoned three-day pauses in fighting in Gaza to facilitate the first round of polio vaccinations for 640,000 children. This campaign, starting on Sunday, will see pauses in hostilities from 6 am to 3 pm in different regions of Gaza, beginning in central Gaza and moving to the south and north over consecutive days. The pauses may extend to a fourth day if needed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
A newborn in Gaza was recently rendered paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus, the first incidence in 25 years, making the vaccine campaign crucial to containing the epidemic. In order to stop the virus from spreading, at least 90% of people must receive immunizations throughout each cycle, according to WHO officials. Four weeks following the first round of vaccines, a second round is scheduled.
Hamas has expressed willingness to cooperate with international organizations to ensure the campaign's success, aiming to protect more than 650,000 Palestinian children. Israel's military has also coordinated with WHO and UNICEF to facilitate the vaccination campaign through routine humanitarian pauses, allowing the population to access medical centers for vaccinations.
In the midst of this collaboration, the larger struggle rages on, with Israel continuing its heavy military presence in Gaza in the wake of Hamas' October 7 offensive that claimed 1,200 Israeli lives. Over 40,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel's response, which has also caused widespread displacement and international censure. Israel has denied any genocide.
The UN has reported that aid operations in Gaza are severely restricted by ongoing hostilities, evacuation orders, and insecurity. However, there was a recent positive development with Israel reversing an evacuation order for three blocks in Deir al-Balah, potentially allowing UN and aid staff to return to their premises. This comes after the largest relocation of UN staff since October 2023, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian operations in the region.
