The Palestinian Ministry of Health has announced that polio vaccines have arrived in the occupied West Bank and are awaiting delivery to Gaza. This development comes after polio was detected in Gaza's sewage water last month, putting thousands of Palestinians at risk of contracting the disease, which can lead to paralysis.
According to the health ministry in Ramallah, officials are currently coordinating the delivery of the vaccines. Necessary equipment to keep the vaccines cold has already been delivered to Gaza, ensuring the vaccines' efficacy.
Wild polio was eradicated from Gaza over 25 years ago, with pre-war vaccination coverage reaching 95% in 2022, as reported by the World Health Organization. However, the recent detection of polio in Gaza has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has called on international organizations to exert pressure on Israeli authorities to halt their military offensive in Gaza. This request aims to create a safe environment for medical teams to enter the enclave and vaccinate children, thereby preventing further outbreaks of polio.
While Israel is currently engaged in conflicts with Hezbollah at its northern border, it continues its military operations against Hamas in Gaza. The ongoing bombing and ground campaign in Gaza, coupled with a tight siege on aid entering the territory, have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hezbollah has expressed solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinians in Gaza through recent attacks on Israel. The situation remains tense as efforts are made to contain the spread of polio and address the broader humanitarian challenges facing Gaza.
