GAZA, Wednesday, February 17, 2021 (WAFA) – After a long delay caused by Israeli obstructions, the first batch of 2000 vaccines of the Russian Sputnik brand arrived in the Gaza Strip this afternoon, reported WAFA correspondent.

Health Minister Mai Alkaila said earlier today that the 2000 doses were dispatched to Gaza earlier in the morning from the ministry's Ramallah warehouse.

Israel on Monday refused to allow the coronavirus vaccines into Gaza, leading the Minister of Health to appeal for an international intervention with Israel to allow them into Gaza on humanitarian bases.

Apparently as a result of this intervention, Israel lifted the ban today and allowed the first batch of vaccines in, which, according to Alkaila are intended for the medical staff working in intensive care units designated for COVID-19 patients, and for the staff working in emergency departments.

The Gaza Strip, which is under tight land, sea and air blockade by Israel since 2006, has recorded more than 53,800 corona cases since the outbreak of the disease in Palestine in March and 538 deaths.

K.T./M.K.