The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to pauses in fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign. The campaign, set to begin on September 1, is crucial for the region, as a 10-month-old child, Abdul Rahman, has been diagnosed with polio—the first case in Gaza in 25 years. The situation highlights the severe impact of conflict on public health.
To support the vaccination efforts, Israel has allowed the entry of over 280,000 polio vaccine packages, amounting to more than 1.5 million doses, into Gaza. The WHO, in collaboration with partners including UNICEF and UNRWA, aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children in Gaza through a two-round campaign.
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Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have concluded a three-week operation in the southern Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas infrastructure and recovering the bodies of six hostages. The operation, centered in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, involved the demolition of six tunnels used by terror groups, spanning approximately six kilometers. The IDF reported significant finds, including weapons and intelligence materials, as well as the elimination of gunmen during the mission. The 98th Division, responsible for the operation, has since withdrawn from Gaza but remains prepared for future missions.
Key Points
Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, set to begin on September 1.
- Israel and Hamas have agreed to pauses in fighting to allow the campaign to proceed.
- The campaign is in response to the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years, diagnosed in a 10-month-old child named Abdul Rahman.
- Israel has permitted the entry of over 280,000 vaccine packages, equating to more than 1.5 million doses.
- The WHO, UNICEF, and UNRWA aim to vaccinate over 640,000 children through a two-round campaign.
IDF Military Operations in Gaza:
- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) concluded a three-week operation in the southern Gaza Strip.
- The operation, focused on Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, involved demolishing Hamas tunnels and recovering the bodies of six hostages.
- IDF combat engineers destroyed six tunnels, totaling six kilometers (3.7 miles), and eliminated gunmen within these tunnels.
- The IDF also uncovered weapons, rocket launchers, and intelligence materials at a Hamas outpost in the Deir al-Balah area.
- The 98th Division, which led the operation, has withdrawn but is prepared for future missions.
