The United Nations has temporarily halted aid deliveries in Gaza due to safety concerns following new evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military. This pause may impact the launch of a polio vaccination campaign in the region.
Israel's military recently ordered evacuations in parts of Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, displacing many Palestinians once again. The UN had planned to vaccinate over 640,000 children in response to Gaza's first polio case in 25 years, detected in an unvaccinated infant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) had warned about the potential spread of the virus after sewage samples in Gaza tested positive for polio. The disease, which primarily affects children under 5, can lead to paralysis and even death in severe cases.
Despite the aid pause, over 1.2 million doses of the polio vaccine have already entered Gaza through the Kerem Shalon crossing. The vaccination campaign, led by WHO and UNICEF, is set to be carried out in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
While the UN has temporarily suspended deliveries under the current conditions, both UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Health are gearing up for the vaccination campaign. UNRWA emphasized its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza, despite facing significant challenges.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health aims to vaccinate 95% of children under 10, with additional doses being secured to support the campaign. However, movement restrictions due to Israeli military operations have posed obstacles for health workers.
UN operations remain in Gaza to support the population, but the latest evacuation orders have forced the organization to consider relocating once again. The ongoing challenges in Gaza highlight the urgent need for sustained humanitarian efforts in the region.
