According to Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative in the Palestinian territory, these pauses will occur from 6am to 3pm over three days in various regions of Gaza, starting Sunday. While acknowledging the situation is far from ideal, Peeperkorn emphasized the agreement as a viable path forward.

The ongoing genocide has led to nearly complete displacement of the Gazan population, resulting in unsanitary conditions that facilitate the spread of diseases. A recent case involved a 10-month-old Palestinian child who became partially paralyzed due to polio, a disease previously absent in Gaza for 25 years.

The vaccination campaign aims to reach 640,000 children under the age of 10. Reports indicate that the agreement followed significant pressure from UN officials and the U.S., with Secretary of State Antony Blinken also advocating for the initiative.

Vaccinations are set to begin in central Gaza, subsequently moving to southern and northern regions. The WHO has received assurances from Israeli authorities regarding additional days if vaccination targets are not met.

Hamas has expressed support for the vaccination efforts, indicating cooperation with international organizations to ensure the campaign's efficacy. However, humanitarian groups have criticized the Israeli apartheid regime for systematically dismantling medical infrastructure and targeting aid workers throughout the invasion.