7-Day Pause (Ceasefire) in Gaza for Polio Vaccine Campaign

On August 23, the World Health Organization reported a 10-month old infant in Gaza was infected with type 2 polio virus and, as a result, is now paralyzed. Two other polio infections in children in Gaza await confirmation. Prior to October 2023, Gaza’s robust vaccination levels prevented polio disease for over 25 years. Now, due to the Israeli assault and prohibitions on humanitarian aid entry- including vaccines-Gaza has a large and growing unimmunized population, especially among children unable to start or complete their vaccinations prior to October 2023.  On June 23, polio virus was detected in the sewage runoff in Gaza. Israeli destruction of Gaza’s sewage treatment plants and waste management systems has now unleashed polio as a biological weapon that threatens the lives of Gaza’s almost entirely displaced population. Polio is highly contagious and there is grave concern that these first cases are a harbinger for a widespread polio outbreak in Gaza and throughout the region. A prompt, rapid and massive vaccination campaign among Gaza’s vulnerable children is the only way to stop the spread of this highly infectious and pernicious virus.  United Nations’ agencies UNICEF, UNRWA, and WHO, along with NGO partners on the ground in Gaza, are prepared to begin phase one of a two-part vaccine campaign by the end of August. In order to reach all children in Gaza, a 7-day complete pause in the bombing and fighting is required. Hamas has agreed to this pause. Israel has not.  We call for a permanent ceasefire using the full leverage of a US arms embargo on Israel to end the genocide. A permanent ceasefire must be followed by unhindered humanitarian aid entry into Gaza and prioritization of the rebuilding of the health care system that has been destroyed by the Israeli military assault of the past 10 months. However, the looming polio crisis demands an immediate 7-day full pause in all military activities to implement this essential, life-saving public health vaccination campaign. Knowing the leverage and power of the US government, we direct our call to the US Congress and the State Department to demand that Israel implement an immediate 7-day polio pause. The spread of polio must be stopped. Viruses know no borders. Viruses do not respond to negotiation strategies or partial agreements. The health and lives of children in Gaza and throughout the entire region demand a 7-day pause in all military actions to prevent the spread of this horrifically virulent disease. Only a cease-fire can guarantee the safety of the health care workers and families central to the delivery and implementation of a successful polio vaccine campaign.