Israeli air strikes kill dozens in Gaza Polio vaccination continues

In the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 48 Palestinians amid ongoing conflict with Hamas militants, according to Palestinian officials.

Despite the violence, a polio vaccination campaign continued, reaching over 80,000 children on its first day. UN officials are urging a ceasefire to ensure the safety of the vaccination efforts, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Hamas and Israel have made a consensus to implement brief pauses in hostilities to facilitate the vaccination of approximately 640,000 children in Gaza. So far, there have been no reported violations near the vaccination sites.

In recent developments, Palestinian officials reported that seven Palestinians were killed in two separate Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City. Additionally, two other airstrikes in the Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps resulted in six more fatalities. The Israeli military has not yet commented on these incidents.

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have reported engagements with Israeli forces in various parts of Gaza, including the north, south, and central areas, using anti-tank rockets and mortar fire.

The war, which began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has claimed nearly 41,000 Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction in Gaza.

In Israel, protests and a general strike are underway, pressing the government to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.