Escalating Conflict in Gaza Amid Polio Vaccination Drive

Israeli air raids in Gaza continue amid an urgent polio vaccination campaign for children. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 94,000 injured since the war began. The conflict has intensified, with calls from international allies for a cease-fire, as negotiations face multiple hurdles.

Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip have resulted in over a dozen fatalities, reported local authorities, while health workers push forward with a critical polio vaccination campaign. The second phase of the campaign is aimed at preventing a large-scale outbreak among children amid the ongoing conflict.

The nine-day vaccination drive was initiated following the first confirmed polio case in 25 years in Gaza. Health teams have been working under dire conditions to vaccinate 640,000 children, with dozens of designated points for vaccinations in southern Gaza cities.

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued unabated, with numerous airstrikes killing civilians, including women and children. Violence has spiked throughout the region, and international pressure mounts for a cease-fire, though negotiations are stalled over new demands and control issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)