Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip claimed the lives of more than a dozen individuals overnight and into Saturday morning, according to reports from hospital and local authorities. This violent escalation occurred as health workers were concluding the second round of a crucial polio vaccination campaign in an effort to prevent a major outbreak in the region. The vaccination initiative was launched following the confirmation of the first polio case in the Palestinian enclave in 25 years, affecting a 10-month-old boy who now suffers from paralysis in his leg. The campaign, led by the U.N. health agency and partners, aimed to vaccinate 640,000 children under the age of 10 amid the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system and infrastructure due to the ongoing conflict.
The second phase of vaccinations in the southern part of the strip was wrapping up on Saturday, with plans to continue in the northern regions before concluding on Monday. The Gaza Health Ministry set up numerous locations in cities like Khan Younis and Rafah for parents to bring their children for vaccination.
Simultaneously, Israel continued its military offensive, with reports of casualties in various areas across Gaza. In the Nuseirat refugee camp, Al-Awda Hospital received the bodies of nine individuals killed in separate air raids, including fatalities from strikes on residential buildings. Additionally, tragic incidents were reported at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where a woman and her two children lost their lives in a strike on a house in the Bureij camp.
The conflict between Israel and militants in Gaza began in October, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The Israeli offensive, launched in response to attacks by Hamas and other factions, has resulted in a high number of Palestinian fatalities and injuries, including civilians. The violence has also spread to the occupied West Bank, where clashes have led to numerous deaths and incidents, including the recent killings of a 13-year-old Palestinian girl in Qaryout and an American protester in Jenin.
Amid international calls for a ceasefire, Israel faces pressure to negotiate peace terms with Gaza. However, disagreements persist, particularly regarding Israeli control over strategic border corridors that Israel claims are used for weapon smuggling by Hamas. With ongoing negotiations and evolving demands from both sides, efforts to reach a lasting truce remain challenging.
For the latest updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, follow news coverage at the Associated Press website.
