Israel Approves Temporary Ceasefire for Polio Vaccination in Gaza
Israel has succumbed to international and US pressure, as well as appeals from global health organizations, and agreed to a phased cessation of its military operations in Gaza. This temporary halt in fighting will enable health workers to initiate a vaccination campaign targeting over 600,000 children in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the ceasefire would commence with a three-day halt in central Gaza. This is part of a series of "routine humanitarian pauses" designed to permit residents to access medical centers for vaccination.
The ceasefire will then extend to southern Gaza, and subsequently to the north, as per released statements. The success of the initial phase will determine the progression from one zone to another. However, the practical execution in a war-torn region remains uncertain.
Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza
Over 2,000 health workers, coordinated by the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), are prepared to carry out a mass vaccination drive. The WHO has been particularly vocal in advocating for this initiative.
The campaign is set to be in full operation by Sunday. An Israeli official has confirmed to CNN that the vaccination drive will commence on September 1. Each phase of the campaign is projected to last approximately seven hours. During this period, vaccines will be allowed into the designated "pause" area for distribution.
Local Gazan health workers are also expected to contribute to the campaign, given the vast number of children requiring vaccination.
Gaza's Polio Outbreak Amid War
Earlier this week, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a 10-month-old infant in the central city of Deir al-Balah, who had not received any polio vaccine dose, tested positive for the virus. The infant has reportedly been paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus, which can be fatal. The ministry has since reported that "a number of children" have shown symptoms consistent with polio.
However, the ongoing war and displacement of many families have raised concerns among the UN and WHO that many Palestinians in need may not receive the vaccine.
A correspondent for Al Jazeera explained that Palestinians are terrified of displacement due to repeated instances of declared safe zones being bombed. He speculated that this fear might deter Palestinians from vaccinating their children.
Reports suggest that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken directly appealed to the Netanyahu government to allow for a pause in fighting for polio vaccination. However, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is reportedly advocating for an expansion of the IDF's operations in Gaza.
Bottom Line
The agreement to temporarily halt military operations for a vaccination campaign in Gaza is a significant development. However, the practical implementation amidst an active war zone and the fear of displacement among Palestinians present considerable challenges. What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and discuss your views. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing which is available every day at 6pm.
