Israeli forces have intensified their ground operations in the central and southern regions, specifically targeting Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah. Since this morning, at least 18 Palestinians have been killed in these areas, according to medical sources. The ongoing violence has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In response to growing concerns about a potential polio outbreak, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has announced plans to begin vaccinating children in Gaza by the end of the month. The first case of polio in Gaza in over 25 years has already been confirmed, with a 10-month-old baby now paralyzed due to the virus.
However, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has issued a statement emphasizing that the vaccination campaign will not be effective unless a ceasefire is reached. The ministry highlighted the dire conditions in Gaza, where a lack of clean water, hygiene supplies, and the spread of sewage among displaced persons have created an environment conducive to the spread of disease.
Meanwhile, the international community continues to grapple with the broader implications of the conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refuted claims that Israel is contemplating the stationing of an international force along the Philadelphi Corridor, the narrow border area between Gaza and Egypt. This comes as US envoy to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, urged for calm in the Middle East, expressing optimism that a ceasefire and captive release deal is “now in sight.”
The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides. The death toll in Gaza has climbed to 40,265, with 93,144 injured, as per recent updates. In Israel, approximately 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, with more than 200 still held captive.