Israeli Strikes and Polio Campaign: A Glimpse into Gaza's Current Crisis

Israel's military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians, while health officials work to vaccinate tens of thousands of children against polio. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled, and the polio vaccination drive continues amid the dire humanitarian conditions.

Israeli military strikes claimed the lives of at least 12 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Friday, according to medics, as health officials resumed polio vaccination for tens of thousands of children in the enclave.

In Nuseirat, an Israeli airstrike killed two women and two children, while eight others were killed in separate strikes in Gaza City, medics reported. Concurrently, Israeli forces faced off against Hamas-led fighters in various conflict zones, including the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, eastern Khan Younis, and Rafah near the Egyptian border.

Eleven months into the conflict, diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have been unsuccessful. The situation remains tense as both sides blame each other for stalled negotiations facilitated by mediators like Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both parties to finalize the remaining issues to reach a ceasefire, though significant disagreements persist over areas like the Philadelphi corridor bordering Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Khan Younis area saw an influx of residents seeking polio vaccinations for their children amidst the collapsing health infrastructure. The campaign, launched after the first polio case in 25 years was detected, aims to reach 640,000 children under 10. The polio crisis adds another layer to Gaza's severe humanitarian challenges, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli military actions that have resulted in over 40,800 Palestinian deaths and nearly displaced the enclave's entire population of 2.3 million.

(With inputs from agencies.)