Israel-Gaza War: Latest News and Live Updates
- An airstrike in Nuseirat killed 18 people, including women and children, while Israel claims some were Hamas militants.
- A UN-backed polio vaccination campaign has reached over 530,000 children in Gaza, but future doses depend on humanitarian pauses.
- The ongoing war has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and a humanitarian crisis, with many families still prioritizing vaccination despite the risks.
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, an airstrike on a United Nations school complex in Nuseirat resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, including women and children, while also injuring many others. Israel claims that nine of the deceased were Hamas militants using the site for military purposes. This incident occurred amidst a UN-backed anti-polio campaign, which had successfully vaccinated over 530,000 children in Gaza, nearing its target of 640,000. However, the campaign's success hinges on future humanitarian pauses for additional doses. The local health ministry reports that over 40,000 Gazans have died in the 11-month war, with the ongoing violence exacerbating health risks, including the spread of polio. The poliovirus was detected in Gaza's wastewater, raising alarms among health experts about the potential for a wider outbreak. Critics highlight the paradox of the international community's ability to negotiate temporary truces for vaccination efforts while failing to establish a lasting ceasefire. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is further compounded by severe infrastructure damage, particularly to water and sewage systems, which increases vulnerability to various diseases. Additionally, the blockade on humanitarian aid has led to acute malnutrition in approximately 50,000 children, highlighting the dire conditions faced by the population. Despite these challenges, many Gazan families are committed to vaccinating their children, emphasizing the importance of health amidst the ongoing conflict. The situation remains precarious, with the threat of disease and malnutrition looming large over the affected communities.