Gaza Battles and Polio Vaccination Campaign Amid Continued Conflict

Thousands of Palestinians are gathering at medical centers in Southern Gaza for a polio vaccination campaign amid ongoing conflict. Despite progress, the war continues to claim lives, complicating vaccination efforts. Health authorities aim to vaccinate 640,000 children. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled.

Amid the relentless conflict in Gaza, thousands of Palestinians crowded at medical centers in the southern part of the embattled strip on Thursday. They came to vaccinate their children against polio in the campaign's second stage, which has already inoculated 187,000 youngsters. The U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA reported the campaign's success, although the challenges remained numerous.

The conflict continues unabated with Gaza health officials confirming multiple casualties from Israeli airstrikes, including an attack on a hospital in central Gaza. Despite the positive developments in the polio campaign, efforts toward achieving a permanent ceasefire, releasing hostages held by Hamas, and addressing the plight of imprisoned Palestinians have all hit a diplomatic deadlock.

The vaccination campaign, now operating in Rafah and Khan Younis—areas heavily affected by the conflict—has witnessed long queues of displaced families eager to protect their children from polio. However, challenges persist as Israel has denied access to medical teams in certain areas. Health officials aim to vaccinate 640,000 children after the disease saw its first reappearance in 25 years within the densely populated region.

(With inputs from agencies.)