The United Nations has reiterated its call for a pause in fighting in Gaza to distribute much-needed vaccines for children amid fears of a polio outbreak.
The UN on Aug 26 confirmed on its X account the arrival of the vaccines, which it said would cover 640,000 children, warning that delaying a humanitarian pause will increase the risk of polio spreading.
Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini reiterated his call for a cease-fire, adding that the conflict and displacements in Gaza were standing in the way of reunifying children with their families, including the families of hostages.
According to the UN’s latest situation update in Gaza published on Aug 26, August has seen the largest number of Israeli evacuation orders since conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated in October last year.
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Between Aug 19 and 24, five new evacuation orders have been issued by the Israeli military, “ the largest number of orders in a single week since the start of the crisis”, the UN noted, adding that a total of 16 orders have been in issued this month.
UNRWA spokesperson Louise Waterridge said that in Gaza’s Khan Younis and Al-Mawasi areas, which Israel had declared as humanitarian zones, one could “barely see the sand on the ground” as tanks rolled into areas previously declared as safe.
Sam Rose, UNRWA senior deputy field director in Gaza, warned of the "perfect storm" for conditions in which polio can spread, citing a damaged health sector, poor water, and sanitation services condition, reported Palestine’s state-run Wafa News Agency.
The UNRWA noted on its X account that for the first time in 25 years, polio has been recorded in Gaza. It is launching a campaign in collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other partners to vaccinate over 600,000 children under 10.
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Despite deteriorating conditions and safety concerns, Nebal Farsakh, spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), told China Daily the organization would be part of the polio vaccination campaign.
She said there had been training for medical staff ahead of the vaccine rollout.
“We are going to participate by providing the vaccination at medical points across Gaza,” Farsakh said, noting that staff has been trained at the PRCS facility in Khan Younis.
“The training is conducted by UNICEF (to keep everyone) prepared and informed,” she said.
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“Generally speaking, the safety of our staff is not (assured) because they are working under very dangerous conditions. We have already lost 19 PRCS members while on duty,” said Farsakh.
As for the impact of Israel’s evacuation orders on the PRCS, such as emergency medical service work being provided by PRCS staff, she said all the areas being invaded or raided by the military are off-limits to PRCS staff and other aid workers.
“That means all the red zones being identified by the Israeli occupation. Literally, we can’t send our ambulances,” Farsakh said.
Currently specific locations in Khan Younis and Deir-el-Balah, we are denied access to them,” she said.
Farsakh said the PRCS would be able to vaccinate more people if there is a cease-fire.
