News
UN Agencies Launch Gaza Polio Vaccination Campaign Amid Conflict
UN agencies and local health officials in Gaza are set to begin a critical campaign to vaccinate 640,000 children against polio, starting on Sunday. This effort comes after the discovery of the first confirmed polio case in Gaza in 25 years, raising concerns about a potential regional outbreak.
The vaccination campaign hinges on temporary “humanitarian pauses” in the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas, with the first pause scheduled from 06:00 to 15:00 local time over three days. These pauses are crucial, as conducting a vaccination campaign in an active combat zone would be impossible, according to Unicef’s Jonathan Crickx.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that at least 90% of children under 10 must be immunized quickly to prevent the spread of the virus. The initiative involves more than 2,000 workers and will utilize over 400 fixed vaccination sites and 230 outreach locations across Gaza.
The campaign is urgent due to the high risk of disease spread in Gaza’s current conditions, where most children have missed regular immunizations, and health services are severely strained. The success of this large-scale operation depends heavily on the stability of the agreed-upon ceasefires.
News
Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
News
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
News
Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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