Israel has agreed to periodic pauses in combat in Gaza to allow children to be vaccinated against polio, a World Health Organization official said Thursday.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative for the West Bank and Gaza, stated in a press briefing that the immunization campaign would begin on September 1 in three three-day stages, and the agency has secured a preliminary commitment for area-specific humanitarian pauses throughout each phase.

we appeal on all sides to halt the fighting to allow children to safely visit health facilities and community outreach workers to get the children who can access those facilities for polio immunization.” Peeperkorn stated on the call.