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Israeli Blockade Halts Gaza Polio Vaccination; 37 Hospitals Out of Service, 600,000 Children at Risk

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Updated Apr 24, 2025, 12:12 PM

Israeli military operations in Gaza have intensified, with reports of the largest wave of airstrikes in weeks and a continued blockade on the enclave. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the blockade has led to the suspension of a UN-backed polio vaccination campaign that was intended to reach over 600,000 children, putting them at risk of permanent paralysis and chronic disabilities.

Health authorities in Gaza report that the Israeli blockade has prevented the entry of polio vaccines for over 40 consecutive days, hindering the fourth phase of the vaccination campaign. The Health Ministry warns that 602,000 children are now vulnerable to polio and other health complications due to the lack of immunization, proper nutrition, and safe drinking water. The first polio case in Gaza was confirmed in August 2024, prompting a vaccination campaign whose first three phases immunized over 560,000, 556,774, and 590,000 children, respectively. The United Nations states children require two doses for adequate protection. Malnutrition is reported in 60,000 children.

The blockade, in place since March 2, has been accompanied by the resumption of Israeli military operations on March 18. Gaza's civil defense and medical officials state that systematic destruction of humanitarian infrastructure and medical equipment has occurred, with border closures and restrictions on fuel and medical supplies forcing the reduction or suspension of emergency services.

Hospital capacity in Gaza has been severely impacted. The Mohammed Al-Durra Children's Hospital was rendered out of service after being hit by Israeli artillery, damaging its intensive care unit and solar panels. This brings the total number of hospitals out of service in Gaza to 37, according to the Health Ministry. Most medical laboratories are reported to be non-operational, and there is a critical shortage of medical supplies in emergency and surgical departments.

Since October 2023, over 51,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, most of them women and children. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

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#Gaza #Health Ministry #UN #Israeli #United Nations #Palestinians #International Criminal Court #Benjamin Netanyahu #Defense #Yoav Gallant #Israel #International Court of Justice

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Sources

yenisafak.com(2)jp.reuters.com(2)aa.com.tr independent.ie

Yeni Şafak English

@yenisafakEN

Israeli airstrike puts Gaza children's hospital out of service https://t.co/NLTNM45xnR

شبكة قدس الإخبارية

@qudsn

Ministry of Health in Gaza: 37 hospitals were out of service due to the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, the last of which was the Shaheed Mohammed Al-Durra Hospital. https://t.co/VJTzhmFWJF

Quds News Network

@QudsNen

The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that Israeli artillery shells targeting the Mohammed Al-Durra Children's Hospital, east of Gaza City, two days ago rendered the hospital out of service. The ICU and solar panels were hit, bringing the total number of hospitals out of service https://t.co/zjoCtBAaA1