United Nations officials have commended the brief pauses in hostilities between Israel and Hamas to allow for polio vaccinations in Gaza, viewing these moments as glimmers of hope in the prolonged conflict. The vaccination campaign, initiated after the first polio case in 25 years was reported in Gaza, aims to immunize 640,000 children.
Rosemary DiCarlo and Edem Wosornu, senior UN officials, addressed the Security Council, emphasizing the significance of these humanitarian pauses. Nicolas de Rivière, France's UN Ambassador, stated, "This vaccination campaign demonstrates that it is possible to allow humanitarian actors to act on the ground. That must become the rule."
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 187,000 children have been vaccinated thus far. This campaign is crucial, as polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis and death. The last wild poliovirus case in Gaza was reported in 1979, highlighting the severity of the current situation.
The UN Security Council, comprising 15 members including five permanent members with veto power, convened at the request of Israel and Algeria to discuss the ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns. Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia's ambassador and current Security Council president, expressed growing anxiety among council members regarding the lack of a comprehensive ceasefire.
In June 2024, the Security Council approved a resolution endorsing a ceasefire plan, with Russia abstaining. However, the conflict persists, raising concerns about the spread of diseases in Gaza's overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, while the initial Hamas attacks claimed approximately 1,200 Israeli lives and led to the capture of about 250 hostages.
The United Nations, established in 1945 with the aim of maintaining international peace and security, continues to play a crucial role in addressing this conflict. With 193 member states as of 2024, the UN's involvement extends beyond peacekeeping to include humanitarian aid and promoting sustainable development.
As the international community grapples with the ongoing crisis, the brief pauses for polio vaccinations serve as a reminder of the potential for humanitarian cooperation amidst conflict. The UN's efforts align with its Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
"This vaccination campaign demonstrates that it is possible to allow humanitarian actors to act on the ground. That must become the rule."
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with concerns about disease spread in overcrowded camps and inadequate sanitation. As the UN Security Council continues to seek solutions, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring lasting peace to the region.