The campaign has been extended until Wednesday to ensure comprehensive coverage, according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, who addressed journalists during a briefing in New York. He cited reports from UN humanitarian coordinators.
As of Monday, the third day of the initiative, 548,000 children had been vaccinated, representing 93 percent of the target population.
Continued Humanitarian Aid Efforts
Since the fragile ceasefire took effect last month, humanitarian organizations have been striving to expand aid distribution.
According to the latest reports, the Israeli government is looking to extend the first phase of the agreement but has warned that fighting could resume if no progress is made in negotiations for the next phase this week.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has successfully delivered over 30,000 metric tonnes of food, with more than 60 community kitchens across Gaza serving nearly 10 million meals.
Similarly, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has distributed food parcels to two million people and provided flour to 1.3 million across the region.
Additionally, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has, for the first time since the ceasefire, delivered animal feed to northern Gaza, assisting livestock-owning families in Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
Efforts are also underway to repair and reopen schools that were previously used as shelters for displaced families in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Deir al Balah.
Harsh Cold Claims Lives
Despite ongoing aid efforts, children in Gaza continue to face severe hardships.
On Tuesday, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that six children had died due to extreme cold in recent days, increasing the total number of weather-related child deaths to 15, according to Mr. Dujarric.
Escalating Military Operations in the West Bank
Meanwhile, the security situation in the West Bank remains tense, with Israeli military operations in the northern region causing further casualties, mass displacement, and damage to critical infrastructure.
Mr. Dujarric noted that a two-day military operation in Qabatiya, Jenin governorate, ended on Monday.
The operation involved the use of bulldozers, armed exchanges between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents, as well as arrests, disruptions to electricity and water supplies, and school closures.
“We once again warn that lethal, war-like tactics are being applied, raising concerns over the use of force that exceeds law enforcement standards,” Mr. Dujarric stressed.
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