WHO Reports Israeli Forces Attacked Staff Residence and Warehouse in Gaza
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the Israeli military targeted its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah on Monday, disrupting its operations in Gaza.
According to the WHO, the residence was struck three times by airstrikes, resulting in fire, significant damage, and endangering staff and their families, including children.
On Monday, Israeli tanks advanced into southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah for the first time—an area where Israeli authorities suspect hostages may be held. Tank shelling reportedly struck homes and mosques, killing at least three Palestinians and injuring several others, according to local medical sources.
The WHO reported that Israeli forces entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward al-Mawasi amid ongoing clashes. Male staff and family members were reportedly handcuffed, forced to undress, interrogated on-site, and searched at gunpoint.
In a statement on X, the WHO confirmed the detention of two staff members and two family members. While three were later released, one staff member remains in custody. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus demanded their “immediate release and protection for all personnel.”
Deir al-Balah is sheltering Palestinians displaced by over 21 months of conflict in Gaza. Hundreds fled west or south after Israel issued an evacuation order, citing military operations against Hamas infrastructure.
The area remains a critical center for humanitarian efforts in the devastated region. Gaza health officials have raised concerns over possible "mass deaths" from starvation in the coming days.
Early Tuesday, local health authorities reported that Israeli tank shelling killed at least 12 Palestinians and wounded dozens more in a tent encampment in western Gaza City. Medics stated that tanks positioned north of Shati camp fired two shells at tents housing displaced families.
The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.
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Ahead of a meeting with Britain, France, and Germany (E3), Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, dismissed the possibility of reimposing international sanctions on Tehran, calling the "snapback" mechanism legally unfounded. The E3 warned in June that without progress on Iran’s nuclear program, they would reinstate UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 agreement.
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