The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concerns over the Israeli military offensive in central Gaza, which it claims jeopardizes vital humanitarian work. On Monday, WHO facilities, including a staff residence in Deir al-Balah, were reportedly attacked, leading to serious destruction and mistreatment of individuals seeking shelter. The agency stated that its operational capacity is now severely compromised, further exacerbating the dire health crisis for the more than two million residents in Gaza.
During the attacks, WHO officials reported that Israeli forces breached a staff residence, forcing women and children to evacuate under duress, while male staff were reportedly detained, interrogated, and screened at gunpoint. Though the Israeli military justified its actions, stating that they were targeting individuals involved in terrorism, the WHO decried this incident as indicative of a "systematic destruction of health facilities."
In a statement released on Monday, WHO condemned these actions as a violation of international laws, emphasizing the urgent need for the immediate release of its detained staff member and complete protection for its personnel in Gaza. This incident comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting numerous fatalities due to malnutrition—a reflection of the deteriorating living conditions in the region.
As Israel continues its military operations in Deir al-Balah, approximately 50,000 to 80,000 civilians have been impacted, with many ordered to evacuate to safer areas. However, the UN humanitarian office remains committed to providing support despite the risks. Reports suggest that several areas in Gaza are now under evacuation orders, further limiting access to essential services and supplies for displaced residents.
Witnesses of the ongoing violence report harrowing conditions. Mothers lament the loss of basic necessities, including clean water and food, with many children suffering from severe hunger. UN officials have warned of increasingly high risks for unlawful killings and serious violations of humanitarian law given the concentration of civilians amidst military operations.
Meanwhile, there have been calls from international leaders, including France's Foreign Minister, for unimpeded access for media personnel, claiming that sharing the realities on the ground is crucial for global awareness. The ongoing crisis continues to demand urgent humanitarian attention as casualties rise, with recent figures indicating over 59,000 deaths in Gaza since hostilities reignited on October 7.
During the attacks, WHO officials reported that Israeli forces breached a staff residence, forcing women and children to evacuate under duress, while male staff were reportedly detained, interrogated, and screened at gunpoint. Though the Israeli military justified its actions, stating that they were targeting individuals involved in terrorism, the WHO decried this incident as indicative of a "systematic destruction of health facilities."
In a statement released on Monday, WHO condemned these actions as a violation of international laws, emphasizing the urgent need for the immediate release of its detained staff member and complete protection for its personnel in Gaza. This incident comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting numerous fatalities due to malnutrition—a reflection of the deteriorating living conditions in the region.
As Israel continues its military operations in Deir al-Balah, approximately 50,000 to 80,000 civilians have been impacted, with many ordered to evacuate to safer areas. However, the UN humanitarian office remains committed to providing support despite the risks. Reports suggest that several areas in Gaza are now under evacuation orders, further limiting access to essential services and supplies for displaced residents.
Witnesses of the ongoing violence report harrowing conditions. Mothers lament the loss of basic necessities, including clean water and food, with many children suffering from severe hunger. UN officials have warned of increasingly high risks for unlawful killings and serious violations of humanitarian law given the concentration of civilians amidst military operations.
Meanwhile, there have been calls from international leaders, including France's Foreign Minister, for unimpeded access for media personnel, claiming that sharing the realities on the ground is crucial for global awareness. The ongoing crisis continues to demand urgent humanitarian attention as casualties rise, with recent figures indicating over 59,000 deaths in Gaza since hostilities reignited on October 7.
