Hamas Rejects Netanyahu’s ‘Limited Ceasefire’, Demands Full Humanitarian Truce in Gaza
A Plea for Humanity: Hamas Urges Ceasefire for Polio Vaccination in Gaza
As the conflict in Gaza continues, with its devastating impact felt since October, Hamas is calling for a seven-day humanitarian ceasefire. Their plea? To allow the safe vaccination of over 640,000 children against the crippling threat of polio.
This urgent call to action comes after the Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed a case of polio in a 10-month-old child in Gaza. This alarming development underscores the dire health situation in the region, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. Health and human rights organizations have been sounding the alarm for months, warning of potential disease outbreaks due to shortages of medicine, limited access to vaccinations, and the displacement of thousands of people.
Hamas leader, Ezzat al-Rishq, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a partial ceasefire, deeming it a tactical maneuver to continue the war under the guise of humanitarian aid. Al-Rishq argues that a targeted ceasefire, allowing vaccinations only in specific areas, would not only fail to protect all children but also undermine the United Nations’ efforts to deliver crucial aid.
Adding to the tension, Hamas has accused the Israeli army of deliberately attacking a UN humanitarian convoy, further jeopardizing the delivery of essential supplies and medical aid.
This call for a ceasefire echoes a plea made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on August 16th. Guterres urged for a seven-day humanitarian pause specifically to facilitate a comprehensive polio vaccination campaign. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) immediately supported this call, recognizing the urgent need to protect vulnerable children.
While Israeli media outlets initially reported that Israel had agreed to a US-proposed ceasefire for the vaccination effort, Netanyahu’s office later denied these claims. The situation remains tense, with the international community watching closely and urging all parties to prioritize the health and well-being of innocent children caught in the crossfire.
The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on vulnerable populations. The international community must come together to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, including their fundamental right to health and protection from preventable diseases like polio.
