The Palestinian Red Crescent reported on Monday two suspected cases of polio in Gaza, marking another health crisis under the ongoing Israeli blockade and relentless violence.

Bashar Murad, Director of Health Programs at the Palestinian Red Crescent, confirmed that samples have been taken for testing following the detection of polio-like symptoms in the patients. This comes after the Ministry of Health announced Gaza’s first confirmed case of polio in August 2024, involving a 10-month-old infant in Deir Al-Balah.

Efforts to combat the spread of polio continue despite immense challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded the second round of a vaccination campaign in November, reaching 94% of Gaza’s target population—over 591,000 children under 10. However, vaccination coverage was disrupted in northern Gaza due to Israeli-imposed restrictions, with rates falling to 88%.

The WHO warns that halting the spread of polio in Gaza requires two doses and vaccination coverage exceeding 90% in every community. Despite achieving 103% coverage in central Gaza and 91% in the south, the ongoing blockade and war crimes have severely hindered health efforts.

Meanwhile, the genocidal war on Gaza has entered its 451st day, with hospitals, civilian infrastructure, and medical services paralysed. The death toll now stands at 45,484, with over 108,000 injured since 7 October 2023, according to the Ministry of Health.

The humanitarian catastrophe continues to deepen, as Gaza’s children face not only the ravages of war but also the resurgence of preventable diseases.