Israel has consented to a series of three-day "humanitarian pauses" in Gaza to facilitate the World Health Organization's (WHO) polio vaccination campaign, the agency announced on Thursday. The campaign is set to begin on September 1, with the initial pause focusing on central Gaza, followed by similar pauses in southern and northern regions.
Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s senior official for Palestinian territories, confirmed that Israel has also agreed to an additional day if necessary to ensure the vaccination efforts are completed. The measure aims to combat a recent polio outbreak, the first in Gaza in 25 years. The outbreak was confirmed this month in a 10-month-old unvaccinated infant.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the humanitarian pauses should not be interpreted as a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed support for the UN-led initiative.
The United States and European Union have both voiced alarm over the polio situation. UN agencies plan to administer oral vaccines to over 640,000 children across Gaza. Polio, a highly infectious virus often spread through contaminated water and sewage, primarily affects children under five and can lead to severe health issues including paralysis and death.
The pauses come amid ongoing infrastructure challenges in Gaza, where extensive damage from recent conflicts has exacerbated health concerns.
Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s senior official for Palestinian territories, confirmed that Israel has also agreed to an additional day if necessary to ensure the vaccination efforts are completed. The measure aims to combat a recent polio outbreak, the first in Gaza in 25 years. The outbreak was confirmed this month in a 10-month-old unvaccinated infant.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the humanitarian pauses should not be interpreted as a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed support for the UN-led initiative.
The United States and European Union have both voiced alarm over the polio situation. UN agencies plan to administer oral vaccines to over 640,000 children across Gaza. Polio, a highly infectious virus often spread through contaminated water and sewage, primarily affects children under five and can lead to severe health issues including paralysis and death.
The pauses come amid ongoing infrastructure challenges in Gaza, where extensive damage from recent conflicts has exacerbated health concerns.
