China News Service – September 1, 2024
As the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire, military strikes by Israeli forces continued on August 31, just a day before the scheduled start of a polio vaccination campaign for children in the besieged territory. The latest developments have raised concerns about the feasibility of the vaccination program and the ongoing violence’s impact on civilian life.
Military Strikes Intensify
According to multiple reports, including those from Al Jazeera and The Times of Israel, Israeli forces conducted aerial and ground strikes on various locations in the Gaza Strip on August 31. The attacks have already resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, with the death toll expected to rise.
The Gaza Civil Defense said that one of the strikes targeted the area near the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in northern Gaza, killing at least three Palestinians. Additionally, another 27 Palestinians were injured and rushed to the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip for treatment.
The attacks also extended to the eastern part of Gaza, where the At-Tuffah neighborhood was bombed, resulting in several deaths and injuries. In the West Bank, the ongoing siege of Jenin by Israeli forces has left Palestinian residents lacking basic resources such as food, water, electricity, and internet access.
Since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, military operations by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip have caused over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 94,000 injuries. Additionally, over 10,000 people are reported missing.
Polio Vaccination Campaign Launched Amidst Chaos
Amidst the violence, a polio vaccination campaign is set to begin on September 1. This initiative comes after the first case of polio in 25 years was detected in the Gaza Strip. A health official revealed that the vaccination drive would be carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and non-governmental organizations.
The Times of Israel quoted a Gaza health official as saying that the vaccination campaign would kick off in the central Gaza Strip. The program aims to administer two doses of the vaccine to over 640,000 children under the age of 10, eventually covering the entire Gaza Strip.
The vaccination drive comes as Israel agreed to a three-day humanitarian pause in specific areas of Gaza to facilitate the inoculation of children. However, challenges remain, as the Gaza Strip’s road network has been severely damaged, with approximately 65% of roads affected. Out of the 36 hospitals in Gaza, 19 have ceased operations. The ongoing attacks and security concerns have also hindered the movement of aid organizations.
International Concerns and Calls for Peace
The continued violence in the Gaza Strip has drawn international condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire. Human rights organizations and global leaders have expressed deep concern over the civilian casualties and the impact of the conflict on the population’s access to essential services, including healthcare.
Despite the ongoing conflict, the vaccination campaign represents a glimmer of hope for the children of Gaza. However, the success of the initiative hinges on the cessation of military strikes and the establishment of a secure environment for aid workers and healthcare professionals.
As the temporary ceasefire looms, the situation in the Gaza Strip remains tense and uncertain. The international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
About the Author
The article is compiled by China News Service, drawing on reports from various sources. The author,魏晨曦 (Wei Chenxi), is an experienced journalist and editor who has worked for prominent news organizations such as Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and others.
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