INFANT DIAGNOSED WITH POLIO IN GAZA DUE TO ISRAEL'S DESTRUCTION OF HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

A 10 month old infant in Deir al-Balah has been diagnosed with polio - the first case in Gaza in 25 years. We have the medical technology to eradicate polio. In fact, it's been a goal of the global healthcare community since 1988. Since then, polio cases have decreased by 99% worldwide, and we have effective vaccinations to prevent the contraction and spread of this deadly and debilitating virus. The typical vaccination schedule is for infants to receive two doses and receive 2 boosters at 18 months and 5 years. When this vaccination schedule is followed it provides lifetime protection. The director of field hospitals in Gaza advised that 500,000 children under the age of 10 need vaccinations - not just for polio but for all standard vaccinations. Israel's intentional destruction of Gaza's entire healthcare, waste management, water, and other critical systems of infrastructure required to maintain the quality of life pre-10/7 is the direct cause of the resurgence of polio in Gaza, as well as the circulation of preventable diseases that are running rampant. Right now, Hepatitis A is spreading rapidly through the population and is most damaging to children. This is another disease where vaccines already exist to prevent the contraction of this virus. I demand that you:  – Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace – Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7 – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law – Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA – Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict – Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level – Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed