Away from events in the UK, a limited vaccination programme has begun in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, following the delivery of doses donated by Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Several former health ministers have been receiving Russian-made Sputnik V jabs in the Palestinian territory today along with front-line health workers, who will be the initial priority.

Health authorities in Gaza, which is home to two million people, have reported more than 54,000 cases of Covid-19 and 543 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

The first shipment of vaccines arrived last Wednesday, after Israel approved the transfer of 2,000 doses given by Russia to the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA). On Sunday, 20,000 shots donated by the UAE were delivered via Egypt. Officials have not said when they expect to receive larger shipments.

Gaza has been kept under blockade by Israel and Egypt since the militant Hamas movement took full control of the territory in 2007. The blockade has devastated its economy and, along with disputes between Hamas and the PA, impaired its public health system.

Israel, which has been vaccinating its population at the world’s fastest rate, has transferred 2,000 doses to the PA. It rejects the argument of some human rights groups that as the occupying power it should do much more to help the Palestinians.

BBC