The World Health Organisation chief hailed the success of the first phase of a giant polio vaccination campaign in beleaguered Gaza after more than 560,000 children received a first dose, AFP reports.

“This is a massive success amidst a tragic daily reality of life across the Gaza Strip,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X, formerly Twitter.

The first phase of the campaign, which first brought vaccines to children in central Gaza, then the south, and finally to the hardest-to-reach north of the territory, wrapped up on Thursday.

A fresh campaign to provide a needed second dose is due to begin in about four weeks in Gaza.

“We admire all the health teams, who conducted this complex operation,” Tedros said, also voicing gratitude to the families for turning out in droves to get their children vaccinated against polio. “Imagine what could be achieved with a ceasefire!” he added.