UN humanitarians reported on Tuesday that aid workers in Gaza supporting local health authorities have now managed to vaccinate nearly 550,000 children under 10 - nearly all those it aimed to reach.
The campaign has been extended until Wednesday to ensure full coverage, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York, citing UN humanitarian coordinators.
As of Monday, the third day of the campaign, some 548,000 children had been inoculated, or 93 per cent of the target population.
Aid efforts continue
Humanitarian partners have been working to expand aid distribution since the fragile ceasefire began last month.
According to latest news reports, the Israeli Government is seeking to extend the first stage of the agreement, threatening to resume fighting without progress in talks this week on phase two.
The World Food Programme ( WFP ) has delivered over 30,000 metric tonnes of food, with more than 60 community kitchens across the Strip distributing nearly 10 million meals.
Similarly, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees ( UNRWA ) has provided food parcels to two million people and flour to 1.3 million.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ) also delivered animal feed in northern Gaza for the first time since the ceasefire, benefiting livestock-owning families in Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
Efforts are also underway by partner organizations to repair and reopen schools that had been used as shelters for displaced families in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Deir al Balah.
Biting cold claims lives
Despite the steady flow of aid, children in Gaza continue to suffer.
The head of Gaza's Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that six children died from the severe cold in recent days, bringing the total number of cold-related child deaths to 15, Mr. Dujarric said.
Ongoing military operations in the West Bank
In the West Bank the security situation remains volatile, with Israeli military operations in the north leading to further casualties, mass displacement and destruction of essential infrastructure.
A two-day military operation in Qabatiya, Jenin governorate, ended Monday, Mr. Dujarric said.
The operation involved bulldozers and exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinians, as well as detentions, disruption to electricity lines, water lines, and school closures.
"We once again warn that lethal, war-like tactics are being applied, raising concerns over use of force that exceeds law enforcement standards," Mr. Dujarric emphasised.
