Health authorities in the Gaza Strip announced on Monday that a polio epidemic had broken out across the Palestinian enclave, blaming Israeli military operations for the damage to sanitation and medical systems that had precipitated the spread of the deadly virus.
The health ministry said that years after polio was eradicated in Palestine the virus has once again been detected in wastewater in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and central parts of the strip, posing a health threat to the residents of Gaza and neighboring countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that its researchers had found the polio virus in six sewage samples collected in Khan Younis and other places in Gaza Strip. The agency said it is "extremely worried" about the situation.
Gaza's health authority said it will work with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the WHO and others to deal with the polio epidemic, but stated that it is more important to take steps to end the Israeli military operation in the strip and to address the root causes of the lack of available water and sanitation supplies and waste disposal.
Since the outbreak of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict in early October 2023, Gaza Strip has faced a serious humanitarian crisis, with people displaced, living conditions deteriorating and health systems severely hit, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Gaza's health ministry condemned the Israeli military offensive for depriving Gaza residents of usable water, destroying the local health infrastructure and leading to the accumulation of large amounts of waste.
Polio, which is spread mainly through human waste, is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis within hours. It usually affects children younger than five years old, with symptoms including fever, headache, muscle pain and vomiting, and it can cause paralysis or death.
According to Al Jazeera, the Gaza Strip had a high polio vaccination rate of more than 95 percent before the current round of the Palestinian-Israeli armed conflict, but last year the figure dropped to 89 percent.
The escalation of Israeli military attacks in Gaza has damaged and destroyed water waste treatment systems, and sewage has spilled into the streets, creating a suitable environment for the spread of different diseases, Al Jazeera reported.
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said on social media that polio emerges due to "a crumbling health system, lack of clean water and hygiene material, overcrowded shelters, and very poor sanitation."
There is no cure for polio, and vaccination is the most cost-effective way to prevent the disease. But vaccination efforts in Gaza have been hampered by continued fighting that has forced people, including some health workers, to flee.
WHO announced on Thursday that it will send more than 1 million doses of polio vaccine to the war-torn strip to vaccinate children in the coming weeks.
Gaza health ministry declares polio epidemic
Gaza health ministry declares polio epidemic
Gaza health ministry declares polio epidemic
Gaza health ministry declares polio epidemic
A promotional video for China Media Group (CMG)'s 2025 Spring Festival Gala has gained widespread attention in Guatemala, Honduras, and Pakistan, offering locals a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and generating excitement for the event's upcoming live virtual broadcast.
The Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual tradition since 1983, airing live on Chinese New Year's Eve.
In Guatemala, the promo video for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala began airing on Sunday at major shopping centers across the capital, Guatemala City. This marks the second consecutive year that the promo has been showcased in the country.
Displayed on large screens both indoors and outdoors, the video captured the attention of shoppers and passersby in busy commercial districts, sparking interest in Chinese culture.
"I think it's great that technology is being used to help us learn more about China through social media," said David Aguilar, a resident. "For those of us interested in Chinese culture, no matter how far away we are, we always seek to stay connected to this rich cultural heritage, especially the traditions that have been passed down through history."
Fabian Lopez, another resident, expressed his excitement about the program: "Through the promos, I've learned how the celebration takes place. The culture is fascinating, and it's wonderful that we can connect via the internet to watch the entire celebration. I'm really looking forward to it and will be sure not to miss any of the broadcast. This year marks the Year of the Snake, if I'm not mistaken, and as for me, I was born in the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac."
The video has captured the attention of many who have never watched the program before, with many now eagerly looking forward to the live virtual broadcast of the Gala.
"Honestly, I've never watched the Spring Festival Gala before, but after seeing the promos, it looks absolutely beautiful. It's a great way to learn about Chinese culture through the arts, dance, and even elements of comedy and magic. I think it's wonderful that they share their history through such a spectacular show," shared Alejandro Calderon, another local resident.
David Gallo, another resident, remarked on the impact of cultural exchange: "It's truly impressive to arrive in Guatemala and connect with Chinese culture through the promotional videos. It's a gratifying experience that offers us a fresh perspective on the world from Latin America."
Meanwhile, in neighboring Honduras, the promotional video has been playing continuously in major commercial districts and transportation hubs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula since Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year it has been displayed in the country.
"My best wishes to China. I hope you have a wonderful year, continue to unite forces, and keep your beautiful culture alive. A big hug," said Yani Paola Gonzalez, a Honduran citizen.
Fellow Honduran Deyanira Romero offered her new year's wishes to the Chinese people: "I wish the people of China a happy new year, filled with love, prosperity, and peace."
In Pakistan, the promotional video has also been featured at several events celebrating the upcoming Spring Festival.
On Saturday, the Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association, along with other local organizations, hosted the China-Pakistan Children's Spring Festival Gala in Islamabad, where the video was shown. The event also celebrated the successful UNESCO heritage listing of the Spring Festival, with hopes for a new chapter in China-Pakistan relations.
"This year, China's Spring Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, turning it into a global celebration. We hope that events like this will help more Pakistani people, especially children, learn about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival, fostering a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions," said Ma Bin, president of the Pakistan Chinese Education Association and organizer of the children's gala.
In the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, the CMG Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also displayed at the entrance to the country's only light rail, the Orange Line Metro, attracting passengers to pause and watch.
CMG's Spring Festival Gala promo captivates audiences in Guatemala, Honduras, Pakistan