WHO Reports Casualties in Strike on Gaza Polio Vaccination Center as Campaign Resumes
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that six people, including four children, were wounded on Saturday in a strike on a polio vaccination center located in northern Gaza. This incident occurred on the same day that the WHO had resumed its second round of vaccinations in the region after suspending the drive due to ongoing Israeli bombardments.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed grave concern over the attack, highlighting that the health center was situated in an area where a humanitarian pause had been agreed upon to facilitate the vaccination efforts. He warned that such violence could deter parents from bringing their children for the critical second dose of the vaccine.
While the WHO did not directly assign blame for the strike, reports from a Gaza civil defense source indicated it was caused by an Israeli quadcopter firing missiles at the Sheikh Radwan clinic. However, an Israeli military statement denied these claims, asserting that an initial review indicated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were not responsible for the attack at that time.
“This attack, during a humanitarian pause, jeopardizes the sanctity of health protection for children and may deter parents from bringing their children for vaccination,” Tedros stated. He noted that the vaccination campaign began on September 1, following the first reported case of polio in Gaza in 25 years, and that approximately 119,000 children in northern Gaza were still waiting for their second vaccine dose.
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza has been described as “apocalyptic” by UN officials, as residents face severe shortages of aid and life-saving supplies amidst ongoing military operations. The IDF has been conducting extensive strikes in the area in an effort to counter Hamas militants, who it claims have been regrouping following their attacks on October 7.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, the civilian toll has been staggering, with various reports indicating high numbers of casualties. Israeli figures from official sources estimate that the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, while the Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 43,000 individuals have been killed in Gaza, most of whom are believed to be civilians.
As the situation continues to evolve, the WHO and other humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate protection of health facilities and civilians, urging all parties involved to respect humanitarian agreements that prioritize the welfare of children and other vulnerable populations.
