A polio vaccination initiative, supported by temporary pauses in fighting, has successfully immunized approximately 187,000 children in central Gaza, as reported by the U.N. on Wednesday.

The vaccination campaign is now transitioning to southern Gaza for three days, followed by three days in northern Gaza. The U.N. aims to reach around 640,000 children. To achieve this, it is vital that the daily pauses in hostilities are honored, according to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency. Achieving a 90% vaccination rate is essential to halt the polio outbreak and prevent the virus’s spread, the agency emphasized.

This vaccination drive was initiated after the World Health Organization confirmed on August 23rd that a child had been paralyzed by the type 2 poliovirus, marking the first such incident in the region in 25 years.

“Significant strides! Each day in central Gaza, more children are receiving polio vaccines,” wrote UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini on social media Wednesday. “While these polio-related pauses offer some relief, an immediate permanent cease-fire, the release of hostages, and a consistent supply of humanitarian, medical, and hygiene resources are urgently needed.”

Recent Updates:

∎ On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed Hezbollah positions in Lebanon following an attack where dozens of missiles were launched into northern Israel, starting fires without causing significant damage, according to the Israeli military.

∎ The Saudi Foreign Ministry criticized Israel’s statement suggesting that a withdrawal from the Egypt-Gaza border would aid Hamas’s rearmament, labeling it as an “absurd justification” for ongoing breaches of international law.

∎ Greta Thunberg, a globally recognized Swedish activist, was among those detained by Danish authorities on Wednesday during a protest against the Gaza war at Copenhagen University, according to Students Against the Occupation.

Netanyahu reportedly blocked agreement this week

This week, Israeli negotiators informed mediators that they were prepared to pull back troops from the Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contradicted this in a press briefing shortly thereafter, as reported by Haaretz and other Israeli outlets on Wednesday. For several weeks, Netanyahu has dismissed the idea of withdrawing troops from the border in relation to cease-fire and hostage negotiations. Hamas has called for all Israeli forces to withdraw, supported by the international community.

According to Haaretz, citing a senior Israeli official and foreign sources, Mossad chief David Barnea had indicated to mediators on Monday that they were willing to retreat from the corridor if certain operational demands were satisfied. The Israeli official disclosed to Haaretz that Netanyahu’s comments during the press conference were a tactic to delay negotiations for political ends, as his coalition relies on the backing of far-right ministers adamantly opposed to a settlement.

Israel exchanges fire with Hezbollah

Israeli forces struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Wednesday following an assault comprised of approximately 65 missiles fired into northern Israel. While the missiles sparked fires, no significant damage was reported, according to military sources.

The defense forces stated that several of the projectiles were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, while others landed in open areas. Emergency services were engaged in extinguishing fires caused by the falling missiles, with no casualties reported.

–Reuters

Hamas leaders indicted for October 7 attack

Six Hamas leaders have been indicted by the Justice Department in connection with the October 7 attack on Israel. The charges consist of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, to support a terrorist organization, and to utilize explosives and weapons of mass destruction. The six individuals mentioned in the unsealed charges on Tuesday include Yahya Sinwar, the chief architect of the October 7 assault, along with Khaled Meshaal and Ali Baraka. Also named, though reported dead, are Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammad Al-Masri, and Marwan Issa.

Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, was killed in July in Tehran. Issa, the third-ranking leader in Hamas, was reportedly killed in March, while Al-Masri, who was instrumental in planning the attack, was reported dead following an Israeli strike in June. The October 7 Hamas-led assault caused nearly 1,200 deaths and resulted in over 200 kidnappings, with more than 100 individuals still held in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that these indictments relate to a long-standing operation aimed at financing and orchestrating campaigns to kill U.S. citizens.

Individuals in the U.S. are jeopardizing the security of the nation.

− Bart Jansen

Contributing: Reuters