Israeli hostages need to be vaccinated for Polio, urges Hostages Forum

Hostages Families Forum Urges WHO and UNICEF to Ensure Vaccination of Hostages in Gaza.

Prof. Hagai Levine, Head of the Health Division of the Hostages Families Forum, formally urges WHO and UNICEF to include hostages in the ongoing polio vaccination campaign and all other health interventions, said the Hostages Forum statement issued.

Due to dire conditions in which the 107 hostages including elderly individuals, women, and children, have been held captive for 328 days, all are considered at-risk. Their inclusion in the vaccination campaign is critical for their survival, just as it is for all of the individuals in Gaza.
To date, Hamas has refused to provide proof of life or allow Red Cross visits to the hostages, the letter added.

In the letter, Professor Levine states: “A deal encompassing both hostage release and a ceasefire would be pivotal to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza’s population, bolster public health efforts and provide relief to all affected by the conflict. A deal to release all the hostages will pave the way for a better future for both Israel and Gaza, and promote regional stability.”