United Nations agencies and Palestinian organizations vow that condom distribution in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip will continue despite Israel’s blockade of the region, PlusNews reports (plusnews.org, 7/10).

According to the article, condoms are available through government programs—focused on family planning and disease prevention—to married couples and people living with sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are also available, for free and for sale, in shops and public places.

The Gaza Strip has a relatively low rate of HIV infection. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has recorded 36 cases there; 61 total cases have been recorded in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem since 1987.