US Urges Israel to Resume Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken Calls for Immediate Action

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has urged Israel to allow the resumption of the polio vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the north, after it was suspended due to heavy bombing.

Blinken emphasized the urgency of the situation during a press conference, stating, “It is urgent that this matter be completed in the coming days, and we call on Israel to facilitate this work.”

Background on the Vaccination Campaign

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched a vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip on September 1, following the confirmation of the first polio case in the region in 25 years.

The first phase of vaccination was successfully completed, and the second phase began on schedule on October 14, before being temporarily halted due to heavy Israeli bombing.

US Concerns and Warnings

Blinken highlighted the success of the initial vaccination campaign, which reached hundreds of thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza.

He also reiterated the US warning to Israel, stating that the country could face deprivation of some military aid if there is no improvement in humanitarian aid in Gaza within a specified timeframe.

Blinken confirmed that the US is closely monitoring Israel’s commitment to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

Deadline for Improvement

The deadline for Israel to demonstrate improvement in humanitarian aid in Gaza expires shortly after the US presidential elections.