The Gaza polio vaccination campaign, aimed to prevent an outbreak among children, commenced despite significant challenges, including damaged infrastructure and security concerns from Israeli military detentions.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, expressed serious concerns over recent events, stating that U.N. staff were held at gunpoint, with heavy damage to their vehicles, jeopardizing the vaccination schedule.
The Israeli military justified the convoy's detention by citing intelligence on potential Palestinian suspects, highlighting the complex security environment in which health initiatives are being conducted in Gaza.
With the poliovirus detected in Gaza wastewater and ongoing lawlessness, health officials emphasize the urgent need for vaccination to avert a widespread outbreak that could extend beyond the region.
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