Israeli Strikes Escalate Across Gaza, Killing 42 People, Halting Polio Vaccination Campaign

 

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza claimed 42 lives on Wednesday as the military intensified its operations in northern Gaza, following the death of a top Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar. The ongoing conflict has also forced the World Health Organization (WHO) to suspend its polio vaccination campaign due to the escalating violence.

Israeli forces launched their operation in northern Gaza about three weeks ago, aiming to prevent Hamas fighters from regrouping. The offensive has grown more intense since Sinwar's death, despite hopes that his killing could pave the way for peace. Gaza's health ministry reported that over 650 people have died since the operation began, with 37 of the 42 casualties on Wednesday occurring in northern Gaza.

The WHO had been running a polio vaccination campaign after the disease resurfaced in Gaza for the first time in 25 years. However, the "intense bombardments" have made it unsafe for families to bring their children to vaccination centers. Approximately 119,279 children were expected to receive the vaccine, but current conditions have made it impossible for healthcare workers to proceed.

The United States has urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into northern Gaza. Israel claims aid has been delivered via trucks and airdrops, but medics in Gaza insist that much-needed supplies have not reached them. The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, pressed Israel to address the humanitarian crisis during a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, while also raising concerns about Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces continued bombing southern suburbs of Beirut, leveling six buildings and targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The Lebanese government reported that at least 28 people had been killed in Israeli strikes over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 2,574 since October 2023. Meanwhile, Hezbollah intensified its attacks on Israel, launching "precision missiles" and drones, escalating tensions further.

As the violence rages on, the US is pushing for peace between Israel and Hezbollah, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the region. However, the conflict shows no signs of easing, with continued strikes and hostilities between both sides.