As the Israel-Palestine conflict enters its eleventh month, the children of Gaza are facing new threats beyond the immediate dangers of war. A recent polio outbreak has prompted an emergency vaccination campaign targeting 640,000 children under the age of ten, exacerbating the already dire conditions for the region’s most vulnerable population.
At a clinic in the Deir al-Balah area, concerned parents lined up to safeguard their children’s health. Among them was Ahamed Sharaf, who brought his young son for vaccination. “Various diseases have been spreading in Gaza since the conflict began,” Sharaf said. “I want to ensure my son is protected.”
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been leading efforts to contain the outbreak. While acknowledging the progress made through the vaccination drive, UNRWA officials stress that only a permanent ceasefire can guarantee the safety and wellbeing of Gaza’s children. “Emergency responses are crucial, but they are not a long-term solution,” an agency spokesperson remarked. “A lasting peace is essential to end this humanitarian disaster.”
The intersection of conflict and health crises has placed immense strain on Gaza’s healthcare system. Medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of patients, and resources are stretched thin. The polio vaccination campaign is a critical step in preventing further spread of disease, but it also highlights the underlying issues caused by prolonged conflict.
Community leaders and international organizations are calling for increased support and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing hostilities. As the world watches, the children of Gaza continue to face challenges that no child should endure, with their health and futures hanging in the balance.
Reference(s):
Stringer Dispatch: Children vaccinated amid ongoing conflict in Gaza
cgtn.com
