This summer, the polio virus was detected in the Gaza Strip for the first time in 25 years as a result of conditions caused by Israel’s ongoing assault on the territory’s 2.2 million residents. The virus, which spreads quickly in unsanitary conditions like those imposed on Gaza’s population, was first seen in July. In August, an 11-month-old infant was partially paralyzed by the virus.

Public health agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and the World Health Organization, responded with a wide-reaching vaccination effort. During “humanitarian pauses” in bombardments, public health workers administered the vaccine to Gaza’s children in hopes of stemming the virus.

The first round of vaccinations saw nearly 560,000 children under 10-years-old receive the medicine in just under two weeks, according to the WHO. The vaccine requires two doses to be effective. The WHO is negotiating with Israel for ceasefires in hopes of launching another vaccination push on October 14. More in the links below.