UN Suspends Aid in Gaza Over Safety Concerns Amid Polio Outbreak
The United Nations temporarily halted aid deliveries in Gaza due to safety issues after Israeli military evacuation orders, potentially impacting a polio vaccination campaign. The Israeli military’s recent evacuation orders in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, forced displaced Palestinians to move again as health authorities aim to vaccinate over 640,000 children amid a polio outbreak.
Gaza recently reported its first polio case in 25 years, prompting concerns after sewage samples tested positive for the virus. Despite the containment efforts, the highly contagious disease threatens young children in the region. Israel facilitated the arrival of 1.2 million vaccine doses through the Kerem Shalon crossing, with vaccination efforts managed by WHO and UN agencies in coordination with IDF.
While aid deliveries are suspended, UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Health affirmed their commitment to the vaccination campaign despite challenges posed by Israeli military operations. The ongoing crisis underscores the hardships faced by Gaza’s population, making humanitarian efforts critical amidst escalating conflict.
The UN’s resilience in Gaza reflects the commitment to support vulnerable communities in crisis, despite ongoing safety concerns and operational challenges in the region.