Israel, Hamas agree to temporary ceasefire for Gaza polio vaccinations: WHO

The campaign will begin in central Gaza with a three-day ceasefire, then move to southern Gaza, followed by northern Gaza, each with its own three-day pause. If needed, the ceasefires could be extended to a fourth day.

This campaign became urgent after a polio case was confirmed in Gaza—the first in 25 years—in a 10-month-old child who developed paralysis in one leg.

WHO and other organizations are working together in this effort, especially given the ongoing conflict and widespread displacement of people.

The Israeli military’s humanitarian unit, COGAT, stated that the vaccination efforts will be carried out with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during these planned humanitarian pauses.

Vaccines have already been delivered to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing, an important route for aid.

The WHO, along with the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), stressed the importance of this vaccination campaign to stop the spread of polio, a disease with no cure but preventable through vaccines.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini pointed out that “Polio does not discriminate between Palestinian and Israeli children,” emphasizing the need for these pauses in fighting to save lives.

Gaza has been hit hard by ongoing conflict following the terror attacks by Hamas and other groups in Israel on October 7 last year. Over 40,000 people have died, and critical infrastructure like hospitals and schools has been severely damaged.

(With inputs from Reuters and UN News)

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