UNRWA's Polio Vaccine Campaign Amid Gaza Conflict

The UN agency for Palestinians is progressing with polio vaccinations for children in Gaza amidst an 11-month war, urging a ceasefire. The campaign covers 187,000 children and aims to expand, triggered by a recent polio case. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid continue to face challenges.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced on Wednesday that it is making significant strides in vaccinating children in Gaza against polio, despite ongoing conflict. The agency called for a permanent ceasefire to alleviate humanitarian suffering.

Three days into the vaccination campaign, around 187,000 children in central Gaza have received the polio vaccine. The campaign was initiated after a polio case was discovered in a baby last month, marking the first such case in the region in 25 years. Israel and Hamas have agreed to temporary eight-hour daily truces to facilitate the vaccination efforts.

UNRWA's head, Philippe Lazzarini, praised the progress but emphasized the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire and consistent humanitarian aid. Israeli authorities reported facilitating the entry of significant vaccine supplies into Gaza. However, diplomatic efforts to establish a long-lasting ceasefire and resolve hostilities remain at a standstill, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.

(With inputs from agencies.)