Israel has denied coordination for medical teams to administer polio vaccinations in areas east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
This region hosts a significant part of the target population for the vaccination campaign.
The ministry has urged the immediate intervention of the relevant agencies to ensure the success of the vaccination campaign and reach all children in need.
The second phase of the polio vaccination campaign began on Thursday in Khan Younis, targeting children under the age of ten. Dr. Abdul Hadi Seyam reported strong parental interest in the vaccination drive, with medical teams working diligently despite difficult conditions.
Gaza was declared a polio outbreak zone in late July and a case of polio was confirmed on 16 August. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported additional cases of suspected polio-related paralysis.
Polio vaccination rates in Gaza were high, around 99% in 2022, but have fallen below 90% in early 2024. Human Rights Watch criticized Israel for blocking emergency aid and destroying infrastructure, which warns that it may exacerbate the polio epidemic.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to serious humanitarian crises.
The International Court of Justice is currently considering genocide charges against Israel, which has faced international criticism for its actions since the war began on October 7.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the conflict has caused widespread casualties, with significant loss of life and displacement of civilians.
Israel has reported casualties among its soldiers and civilians during the conflict, while the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with widespread famine and mass displacement.
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