WHO Condemns Israeli Strikes on Gaza Facilities, Says Operations Severely Disrupted

The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned recent Israeli military strikes on its facilities in central Gaza, stating that the attacks have severely compromised its humanitarian operations. The incident occurred in Deir al-Balah, where three strikes reportedly hit a WHO guesthouse sheltering staff and families, along with the organization’s main medical warehouse.

In an official statement, WHO said it “condemns in the strongest terms the 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.” The strikes caused a fire and structural damage, placing both personnel and civilians, including children, at risk.

According to WHO, Israeli forces entered the shelter, ordering women and children to evacuate toward Al-Mawasi on foot. Male staff members and their relatives were allegedly handcuffed, stripped, and interrogated. Four individuals—including two WHO employees—were detained. While three were later released, one staff member remains in Israeli custody. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for the individual’s immediate release and reiterated the need to protect humanitarian staff.

The attack also destroyed WHO’s main medical warehouse in Gaza, located in an enforced evacuation zone. Following the incident, crowds looted the facility, leading to the loss of essential medical supplies.

With operations now severely hampered, WHO has appealed for urgent, secure humanitarian access and reiterated its commitment to remain in Gaza despite escalating risks.