Israel and Hamas Agree to Pause Fighting for Urgent Polio Vaccination in Gaza

In a crucial step towards public health amidst ongoing conflict, Israel has agreed to pauses in fighting to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza, following alarming reports of a 10-month-old baby partially paralyzed by the virus—the first polio case in the territory in 25 years. The agreement marks a significant response to the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the violence that has swept through the region since early October. Currently, approximately 1.26 million doses of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) are already in Gaza, with an additional 400,000 doses slated for arrival shortly. These vaccines will be administered under the auspices of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, in partnership with international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and UNRWA. In preparation for this urgent initiative, over 2,000 health and community outreach workers have been trained to ensure the vaccination rollout is effective and reaches the most vulnerable populations. The WHO has set an ambitious target of achieving 90% vaccine coverage across the Gaza Strip, a threshold deemed necessary to halt the transmission of the virus. To facilitate this goal, the agreement includes provisions for a fourth day of vaccination and humanitarian pause, which can be extended as needed to secure sufficient coverage. Poliovirus, known for its high infectiousness, predominantly affects children under five and can lead to severe health complications, including paralysis and even death. The virus spreads primarily through contaminated water and sewage, underscoring the urgent need for vaccination in areas with compromised sanitation and health infrastructure. Despite the recent conflict, immunization rates in Gaza and the occupied West Bank had been commendable prior to the outbreak of violence, with polio vaccine coverage estimated at 99% in 2022. However, current estimates indicate a concerning drop to 89% coverage, necessitating immediate action to protect children from the disease. In a display of cooperation amid tensions, Hamas official Basem Naim expressed readiness to collaborate with international organizations to safeguard the vaccination campaign, which aims to protect over 650,000 children in the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that while the pauses in fighting are not a ceasefire, they are essential for humanitarian efforts, including vaccination. International reactions to the agreement have been cautiously optimistic. James Kariuki, the UK deputy permanent representative to the UN, highlighted the importance of ensuring that the pauses are adequate to achieve the necessary vaccination coverage. He stressed the need for protection for the thousands of vulnerable children expected to gather at vaccination sites. As the conflict continues to unfold, and the civilian toll rises—over 40,530 reported dead in Gaza since the onset of the military campaign—this vaccination initiative serves as a critical reminder of the intertwined nature of health and security in conflict zones. The ongoing cooperation between Israeli authorities, Palestinian health officials, and international organizations signals a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, aiming to protect the health and future of the youngest and most vulnerable amidst the turmoil.