Gaza Under Siege: 40,648 Dead in 11 Months as Israeli Strikes Continue

Gaza Strip Devastation: Israeli Strikes Claim 48 More Lives Ahead of Polio Vaccination Campaign

In a devastating turn of events, Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least 48 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, bringing the total death toll to 40,648 in the past 11 months. The latest escalation comes on the eve of a critical polio vaccination campaign, aimed at immunizing 640,000 children in the besieged territory.

Palestinian health authorities have expressed grave concerns about the success of the campaign, citing the need for a comprehensive ceasefire to ensure widespread coverage. “If the international community truly wants this campaign to succeed, it should call for a ceasefire,” urged Yousef Abu Al-Reesh, Gaza’s deputy minister of health.

The vaccination effort, led by the United Nations, is set to begin amidst immense challenges, including daily eight-hour pauses in Israeli strikes in specific areas of the enclave. Medical workers and community leaders are racing against time to reach as many children as possible, despite the dire circumstances.

The campaign follows the confirmation of a polio case in a baby last week, the first in 25 years, highlighting the urgent need for action. However, with Israeli strikes continuing to ravage the territory, the prospects for success remain uncertain.