One year of war: A look at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

By Chloe Wynne,

Published October 7, 2024 at 7:15 AM EDT

A woman gives a young child the polio vaccination in Gaza at Save the Children's Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in Deir Al-Balah. — The polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has begun on 1 September following the arrival of 1.26 million doses of OPV2 vaccines and 500 insulated vaccine carriers. Save the Children's Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in Deir Al-Balah has been designated as one of the key vaccination sites (there are 51 in total ). We are overseeing site operations, coordinating community outreach, and ensuring an efficient vaccination process to maximise coverage quickly. Additionally, Save the Children is disseminating health promotion messages to educate communities about preventing polio and other infectious diseases. On Sunday 1 September, 1,825 children were vaccinated in our clinic. The campaign will run for two more days, followed by a "follow-up" day for anyone missed.

Today marks one year since the Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people. In the ensuing war, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed — and there are mounting concerns about a wider conflict in the region.

The United Nations reports that the humanitarian support system in Gaza is close to total collapse. Civilians in the region have severely reduced access to food, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services.

This hour, we get an update on humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Plus, we explore the principles of international humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war, and what they aim to do during times of conflict.

GUESTS:

Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health
Janti Soeripto, President & CEO of Save the Children, an international NGO and humanitarian aid organization based in Connecticut
Lila Hassan, Independent investigative journalist

Connecticut Public has been covering this conflict from all angles and perspectives. To see more of our coverage, visit ctpublic.org.

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