The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the final phase of a two-part polio vaccination campaign began in northern Gaza on Saturday.
This second phase had been postponed in October by UN organizations due to intense Israeli airstrikes, widespread displacement, and limited access to the region. In August, Gaza recorded its first polio case in 25 years, resulting in a baby boy’s paralysis and prompting the vaccination initiative.
The campaign is resuming as 15 UN and aid agencies have described the situation in northern Gaza as catastrophic, nearly a month after an Israeli ground operation began. The WHO reported that a humanitarian ceasefire has been established to facilitate vaccinations in Gaza City, with the initiative set to last for three days. However, around 15,000 children under 10 living in areas like Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun remain unreachable and will not be included in this vaccination effort, diminishing its overall effectiveness. The WHO aimed to administer a second dose of the oral polio vaccine to 119,000 children in the region but noted that achieving this target is now unlikely due to access constraints. During the first phase of the vaccination drive from September 1 to September 12, doses were successfully given to 559,000 children under ten across three stages throughout southern, central, and northern Gaza during temporary humanitarian pauses negotiated between Israel and Palestinian groups.
However, the area covered by recent humanitarian pauses has significantly shrunk compared to earlier efforts and is now limited solely to Gaza City. Health experts have warned that delays in administering second doses could jeopardize efforts to eradicate this contagious and potentially deadly disease since at least 90% of all children need at least two doses for effective transmission interruption. Last week, the UN human rights chief remarked that northern Gaza was experiencing one of its darkest moments amid ongoing conflict. Since Israeli forces launched their ground offensive on October 6 against regrouping Hamas fighters in Beit Lahia and surrounding areas such as Jabalia and Beit Hanoun, hundreds have reportedly lost their lives.
The WHO indicated that at least 100,000 individuals have fled north Gaza towards Gaza City seeking safety. A joint statement from various UN agencies including WHO released on Friday described conditions as apocalyptic, with all residents facing imminent threats from disease outbreaks, starvation, or violence. The UN estimates approximately 100,000 people are enduring severe hardships due to critical shortages of food supplies, clean water, and medical resources.