EU Calls for Temporary Truce in Gaza to Enable Polio Vaccination
Earlier this month, it was reported that Gaza had its first case of polio in 25 years. The Health Ministry in Gaza stated that 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 baby has reportedly been paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus, which can be fatal. The ministry also noted that several children have shown symptoms consistent with polio.
EU Foreign Policy Chief's Warning
On Tuesday, Josep Borrell, the European Union foreign policy chief, warned that the spread of polio threatens all children in Gaza. He is urging for a quick and urgent polio ceasefire. Borrell emphasized the need for an immediate 3-day humanitarian ceasefire to enable vaccination, stating that "Our humanity demands it." He insisted that the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF must be granted full access to vaccinate the Gaza Strip, independent of wider negotiations.
Vaccination Challenges in a War Zone
Initiating these efforts in an active war zone with ongoing bombings will undoubtedly pose significant challenges. More than 1.2 million doses of the polio vaccine arrived in Gaza on Monday, in preparation for a large-scale effort to vaccinate over 640,000 Palestinian children and prevent a potential outbreak. UNICEF, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNRWA, and other groups, is delivering the vaccines.
However, the success of this campaign will heavily depend on the conditions on the ground at the time, as stated by Sam Rose, a senior official from the agency, at a news briefing on Monday.
UN Secretary-General's Appeal for Ceasefire
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has been advocating for a voluntary ceasefire to allow health workers to conduct their work. For several weeks, he has been urging Israeli and Palestinian forces to cease hostilities to at least allow the Strip to be vaccinated. He has appealed to all parties to provide immediate assurances guaranteeing humanitarian pauses for the campaign.
Guterres emphasized, "Let's be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. But in any case, a polio pause is a must."
Current Situation
Currently, the IDF military's campaign to rescue the hostages is ongoing, and a complete pause in fighting is unlikely. However, there might be a slowdown in fighting in some areas.
Bottom Line
The resurgence of polio in Gaza is a worrying development, especially considering the ongoing conflict in the region. The call for a temporary ceasefire to allow for mass vaccination is a testament to the urgency of the situation. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let us know your opinions. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
EU Calls for Temporary Truce in Gaza to Enable Polio Vaccination
Earlier this month, it was reported that Gaza had its first case of polio in 25 years. The Health Ministry in Gaza stated that 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 baby has reportedly been paralyzed by the type 2 polio virus, which can be fatal. The ministry also noted that several children have shown symptoms consistent with polio.
EU Foreign Policy Chief's Warning
On Tuesday, Josep Borrell, the European Union foreign policy chief, warned that the spread of polio threatens all children in Gaza. He is urging for a quick and urgent polio ceasefire. Borrell emphasized the need for an immediate 3-day humanitarian ceasefire to enable vaccination, stating that "Our humanity demands it." He insisted that the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF must be granted full access to vaccinate the Gaza Strip, independent of wider negotiations.
Vaccination Challenges in a War Zone
Initiating these efforts in an active war zone with ongoing bombings will undoubtedly pose significant challenges. More than 1.2 million doses of the polio vaccine arrived in Gaza on Monday, in preparation for a large-scale effort to vaccinate over 640,000 Palestinian children and prevent a potential outbreak. UNICEF, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNRWA, and other groups, is delivering the vaccines.
However, the success of this campaign will heavily depend on the conditions on the ground at the time, as stated by Sam Rose, a senior official from the agency, at a news briefing on Monday.
UN Secretary-General's Appeal for Ceasefire
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has been advocating for a voluntary ceasefire to allow health workers to conduct their work. For several weeks, he has been urging Israeli and Palestinian forces to cease hostilities to at least allow the Strip to be vaccinated. He has appealed to all parties to provide immediate assurances guaranteeing humanitarian pauses for the campaign.
Guterres emphasized, "Let's be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian cease-fire. But in any case, a polio pause is a must."
Current Situation
Currently, the IDF military's campaign to rescue the hostages is ongoing, and a complete pause in fighting is unlikely. However, there might be a slowdown in fighting in some areas.
Bottom Line
The resurgence of polio in Gaza is a worrying development, especially considering the ongoing conflict in the region. The call for a temporary ceasefire to allow for mass vaccination is a testament to the urgency of the situation. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let us know your opinions. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
