U.N. Praises Polio Vaccination Pauses Amid Gaza Conflict

United Nations officials applauded brief truces between Israel and Hamas allowing polio vaccinations for children in Gaza. The pauses brought hope amidst a protracted conflict. The Security Council discussed the initiative's success and broader Palestinian issues. The campaign vaccinated 187,000 children with a goal of 640,000 amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis.

United Nations officials on Wednesday praised brief halts in hostilities between Israel and Hamas to facilitate children's polio vaccinations as rare bright spots in the nearly yearlong Gaza conflict.

Key U.N. peacebuilding and humanitarian leaders spoke at a meeting initiated by Israel and backed by permanent council members France, Great Britain, and the United States. Israel's ambassador emphasized the plight of hostages captured during Hamas' Oct. 7 attacks, which initiated the conflict, noting the recent killing of six captives.

Algeria, a 15-member council participant until next year, also requested discussions on the broader Palestinian territories situation.

Rosemary DiCarlo, U.N. undersecretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, and Edem Wosornu, director at the U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighted the polio vaccination pauses as rare hopeful moments. Representatives from France, Britain, the U.S., and other nations echoed this sentiment. "This shows humanitarian actions can progress on the ground," French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière said, emphasizing the importance of making such actions routine.

The U.N. World Health Organization reported that 187,000 children in Gaza received polio vaccinations, with the goal of eventually reaching 640,000. The campaign began this week after Gaza's first polio case in 25 years was confirmed — a 10-month-old boy, paralyzed in one leg.

Health officials warned of disease outbreaks in the besieged territory, where war has caused a humanitarian disaster, forcing people into overcrowded camps with inadequate sanitation.

Slovenian Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, September's Security Council president, expressed concern over the lack of a cease-fire and hostage release deal, indicating growing distress among council members.

The Security Council had approved a cease-fire plan in June, with Russia abstaining. Zbogar stressed the urgency of resolving the situation.

The Oct. 7 Hamas attacks resulted in around 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and roughly 250 hostages. Israel's military response has led to over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, reported by Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and fighters.

(With inputs from agencies.)