Israel Killed Children Before receiving Second Polio Vaccine

According to SAEDNEWS, A Palestinian mother, Asmaa al-Wasifi, is grieving the loss of her 10-year-old son, Yamen, who was killed by Israeli forces before he could receive his second polio vaccine. The United Nations began a new round of polio vaccinations in central Gaza on Monday, but for Yamen and his family, the hope for health and safety has been shattered.

Yamen was killed on September 24, when an Israeli airstrike hit their home in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Along with him, four of his cousins also lost their lives. Just three weeks prior, the children had received their first dose of the polio vaccine, and now they will never receive the second.

In a heartbreaking statement, Asmaa expressed her pain: “The time for the second vaccine was here, but the occupation did not let them live to continue their lives and their childhood.”

Yamen’s grandmother, Zakeya, shared her grief as well. She has lost at least ten family members in the conflict and said, “We don’t want any drinks or any aid. We want them to give us safety and security – we want the war to end.” Zakeya's son also suffered a terrible loss; his wife was killed, and her body was so damaged that it was unrecognizable.

As she recalled the day of the airstrike, Zakeya described how her grandchildren had just gotten fresh haircuts in preparation for school. “They were happy like butterflies. Ten minutes later, the targeting happened. I found them all in pieces.”

UNICEF, the United Nations agency focused on children's welfare, has highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing violence in Gaza on children. Since October 2023, more than 16,000 children and 11,000 women have been killed, according to estimates from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The toll on families has been devastating, with thousands more injured.

Oxfam’s recent analysis shows that more women and children have died in this conflict in just one year than in any other conflict over the past two decades. The need for peace and safety for the children of Gaza is urgent, as the ongoing war continues to take a heavy toll on innocent lives.