The World Health Organization (WHO) today condemned Israeli attacks on a building housing WHO staff in Deir al Balah in Gaza, the mistreatment of those sheltering there and the destruction of its main warehouse in the Strip.
“Following intensified hostilities in Deir al Balah after the latest evacuation order issued by Israeli military, the WHO staff residence was attacked three times today. Staff and their families, including children, were exposed to grave danger and traumatized after airstrikes caused a fire and significant damage,” the UN health agency said in a statement.
“Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward Al-Mawasi amid active conflict. Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and screened at gunpoint,” it added.
“Two WHO staff and two family members were detained. Three were later released, while one staff member remains in detention. Thirty-two people, including women and children, were collected and evacuated to the WHO office in a high-risk mission, once access became possible. The office itself is close to the evacuation zone and active conflict.”
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom said the “Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward al-Mawasi amid active conflict”.
“WHO demands the immediate release of the detained staff and protection of all its staff,” he added.
It came as Israeli forces pushed into southern and eastern districts of Deir al Balah for the first time since 2023.
