The World Health Organization has raised serious concerns after several of its facilities and staff came under direct attack in Gaza, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and “life threatening.”
A building sheltering WHO personnel in Deir al Balah was struck three times shortly after Israeli evacuation orders were issued. The airstrikes sparked fires and forced frightened staff, including women and children, to flee on foot while under active gunfire.
Reports say male staff were handcuffed, stripped, and interrogated at gunpoint. Two WHO employees and two of their relatives were detained. One staff member is still in custody.
WHO’s main warehouse in Gaza, critical for storing and distributing essential medical supplies, was also hit. The strike caused a fire and left the facility severely damaged. It was later looted, severely disrupting WHO’s operations at a time when Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.
“These attacks reflect a troubling pattern of deliberate destruction of health infrastructure,” the agency warned. With 88% of Gaza now under evacuation or military orders, WHO says there is virtually no safe space left in the region.
WHO is calling for the immediate release of its detained staff member and stronger protection for humanitarian workers and facilities. The agency says the need for a ceasefire is urgent, and long overdue.
