UN Suspends Aid Amid Safety Concerns
United Nations has temporarily halted aid deliveries to Gaza due to safety issues following new Israeli military evacuation orders, a senior UN official reported Monday. This pause in aid could impact the start of a critical polio vaccination campaign.
Evacuation Orders Complicate Vaccination Efforts
On Sunday, Israel’s military ordered additional evacuations in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, leading to further displacement of Palestinians. This complicates the UN’s efforts to vaccinate over 640,000 children against polio, a disease recently reemerged in Gaza. The area confirmed its first polio case in 25 years earlier this month, with earlier sewage tests indicating a potential outbreak.
Polio Outbreak and Humanitarian Crisis
The polio outbreak highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli bombardment has left many residents without basic necessities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a possible widespread outbreak among children.
Vaccination Campaign Preparations
Despite the aid suspension, the UN and WHO continue preparations for the vaccination campaign. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the Palestinian Ministry of Health are working to secure additional vaccine doses and coordinate with international health partners.
Challenges for UN Operations
UNRWA’s communications director, Juliette Touma, noted the significant challenges faced by humanitarian operations in Gaza, describing them as among the most difficult globally. The UN is searching for new locations to continue its operations following the latest evacuation directives.
