Israeli military attack WHO staff residence in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned attacks on its staff residence and warehouse in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, warning that the strikes compromise its ability to deliver humanitarian aid in the besieged enclave.

The agency said its staff compound was hit three times on Monday, with airstrikes sparking fires and causing extensive damage.

"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," WHO said.

Two WHO staff and two family members were detained, it said in a post on X, adding that three were later released, while one staff member remained in detention.

“WHO demands the immediate release of the detained staff and protection of all its personnel,” said Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Despite the incident, the organisation said it will remain in Deir al-Balah and expand operations where possible. Its main warehouse, located in an evacuation zone, was also damaged on Sunday by an airstrike that triggered multiple explosions and a large fire.

Shortly after the WHO facility attacks, at least 12 Palestinians were killed and dozens more injured when Israeli tank shells struck a tent encampment in western Gaza City early on Tuesday. Medics reported that tanks stationed north of the Shati refugee camp fired two shells into an area sheltering displaced families. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Israeli tanks also pushed into the southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah for the first time on Monday. The area, now sheltering tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, has come under intensified bombardment following evacuation orders issued by Israel. Israeli sources claim the military believes Hamas hostages may be held in the vicinity.

Local medics reported further casualties in Deir al-Balah, with at least three people killed and several wounded in shelling that hit homes and mosques.

The UK and over 20 other nations have called for an immediate ceasefire, criticising Israel’s aid delivery mechanisms after hundreds of Palestinians were killed near food distribution sites in recent weeks.

The war was triggered on October 2023, when Hamas fighters entered southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Since then, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, displaced nearly the entire population, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.

WHO has described Gaza’s health system as being “on its knees”, citing acute shortages of fuel, essential medical supplies and an overwhelming number of mass casualties.