The UN health agency and partners are launching a campaign to vaccinate 640,000 Palestinian children in Gaza against polio following the first case in 25 years. With roads destroyed and hospitals damaged, the vaccination effort faces challenges, but an agreement with Israel for limited pauses in the fighting will allow for the campaign to take place.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces killed two attackers in separate incidents, leading to increased violence in the region. Hamas praised the attacks but did not claim direct responsibility.
An aid agency convoy was hit by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in the deaths of four local community members serving as escorts. The convoy had been coordinated with the IDF to prevent being bombed, but the lead vehicle was targeted.
Other recent developments include the delivery of polio vaccines to Gaza by the WHO, with a planned campaign beginning on Sunday during humanitarian pauses in the fighting. The UK expressed concern over Israel’s military operations in the West Bank.
The head of the UN peacekeeping force warned of a significant risk of a broader regional war in the Middle East, while Israel acknowledged a “communication error” that led to shots being fired at a World Food Programme vehicle. US presidential candidate Kamala Harris called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, while the EU initiated a process that could lead to sanctions on Israeli ministers for inciting hate messages against Palestinians.
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