DEIR EL-BALAH – The recent Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with more than a dozen people killed overnight into Saturday morning, as reported by hospital and local authorities. Amidst this devastating conflict, health workers in the region have been diligently carrying out an urgent polio vaccination campaign to prevent a potential large-scale outbreak.

The vaccination drive was initiated following the confirmation of the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years, affecting a 10-month-old boy whose leg is now paralyzed. The ambitious campaign, spearheaded by the U.N. health agency and its partners, aims to vaccinate 640,000 children under the age of 10. This effort comes at a crucial time as the war has severely damaged Gaza’s healthcare system and infrastructure.

The second phase of the vaccination campaign is currently taking place in the southern part of the strip, with plans to move to the northern areas and conclude on Monday. The Gaza Health Ministry has set up numerous vaccination points across cities like Khan Younis and Rafah, allowing parents to bring their children for immunization.

While health workers are diligently carrying out the vaccination campaign, Israel continues its military offensive. Reports from Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza reveal the tragic aftermath of the air raids, with nine people losing their lives in two separate incidents. The conflict continues to take a toll on the civilian population, further exacerbating the dire situation.

Witnessing the devastating consequences of the conflict, both locally and globally, underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution to end the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.