Child Vaccines Arrive in Gaza After 8-Month Wait
Vaccines Shipped to Gaza Amid Ongoing Israeli Attacks
In a significant move, Palestinian Health Minister Mey Keyle announced that routine child vaccines have been sent to Gaza for the first time since the Israeli attacks began. The vaccines arrived through the Rafah Border Gate, providing much-needed relief in the midst of a critical epidemic situation.
Keyle stated that in addition to the vaccines donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), vaccines purchased by the Palestinian government were also delivered to the region. The vaccine shipment includes polio, measles, rubella, mumps, and other routine vaccines, which are sufficient for a period of 8 to 14 months.
The delivery of vaccines comes after a series of attacks initiated by Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, on Israel on October 7. The attacks were carried out in response to continuous violations against Palestinians and sacred values, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The toll of the ongoing conflict has been devastating, with Israel reporting 1,200 deaths and 5,132 injuries, while the Gaza Strip has faced the loss of 21,822 Palestinians, including thousands of children and women, with 56,451 people injured. The destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and educational institutions, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
During a brief “humanitarian break” in the conflict, 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners were released, providing a temporary respite. However, tensions continue to rise as clashes persist in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, with 319 Palestinians losing their lives in attacks by Israeli forces and illegal Jewish settlers.
Meanwhile, ongoing clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah at the border have resulted in the deaths of 28 Lebanese civilians, 134 Hezbollah members, 5 Israeli civilians, and 9 Israeli soldiers since October 8.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the delivery of vaccines to Gaza serves as a glimmer of hope amidst the devastating toll of the ongoing violence. The international community must strive to prioritize the protection of civilian lives and ensure the delivery of essential aid to those affected by the conflict.
