WHO Staff Residence and Warehouse in Deir al-Balah Attacked, Operations Disrupted
The World Health Organization reported that its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah were struck by Israeli military forces on Monday, severely affecting its work in Gaza.
According to the UN agency, the staff residence was hit three times in airstrikes, sparking a fire and causing significant damage. The attacks endangered staff and their families, including children.
On the same day, Israeli tanks advanced into southern and eastern areas of Deir al-Balah, a location where Israeli officials suggested hostages might be held. Local medical sources said tank shelling struck homes and mosques, killing at least three Palestinians and injuring others.
The WHO stated that Israeli forces entered the premises, forcing women and children to flee on foot toward al-Mawasi under ongoing hostilities. Male staff and relatives were reportedly handcuffed, stripped, interrogated, and searched at gunpoint.
In a post on X, the agency confirmed two WHO employees and two relatives were detained. Three were later freed, while one staff member remained in custody.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director general, urged the "immediate release of the detained staff and protection of all personnel."
Deir al-Balah houses many Palestinians displaced by over 21 months of war in Gaza. Hundreds fled west or south after Israel issued evacuation orders, citing plans to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and operations.
The WHO’s main warehouse, situated in an evacuation zone, was damaged Sunday in an attack that caused explosions and an internal fire. Despite the assaults, the agency pledged to continue and expand its efforts in Deir al-Balah.
On Monday, the UK and over 20 other nations called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and criticized Israel’s aid distribution methods after hundreds of Palestinians were killed near food aid sites.
The WHO warned that Gaza’s health system is near collapse, facing severe shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and frequent mass casualty incidents.
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