A recent Israeli offensive has left WHO operations in Gaza severely compromised as allegations of mistreatment emerge.
WHO Issues Strong Condemnation Following Attacks on its Gaza Facilities
WHO Issues Strong Condemnation Following Attacks on its Gaza Facilities
UN Health Agency Calls for Protection of Staff and Immediate Release of Detained Members
The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly condemned recent Israeli military actions in Gaza, particularly the assault on a residential building housing its staff and their families in Deir al-Balah, which led to significant distress and a compromised aid operation. This incident, reported on Monday, included an attack that damaged WHO's main warehouse, further complicating its efforts in a territory already facing a humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing conflict, which has lasted for 21 months between Israel and Hamas, escalated recently with the Israeli military's first major ground operation in Deir al-Balah. This offensive has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinian civilians and severe food shortages in the area. The UN reported an alarming number of malnourished individuals presenting at medical facilities, with health officials from Gaza indicating that at least 19 people have succumbed to malnutrition since the weekend.
Warnings from military authorities preceded the attacks, as Israeli tanks advanced through the city, resulting in the evacuation order for several city blocks. Residents in the affected area, estimated at 50,000 to 80,000 people, were directed to seek refuge in the southern al-Mawasi area amid threats of military action aimed at destroying perceived terrorist capabilities.
In a statement released on Monday, the WHO denounced the attacks on its facilities, detailing instances where both staff and their families endured harrowing experiences, including forced evacuations amidst active conflict and detention of some staff members. They reported that male family members were handcuffed and interrogated under the threat of violence. While some detainees have been released, one WHO staff member remains in custody.
The WHO also noted the destruction of its warehouse, which was reportedly looted following an explosion initiated by the military strike. They did not place blame directly but highlighted a concerning trend of systematic attacks on healthcare facilities, warning that ongoing operations in Gaza are now untenable, and the survival of approximately two million individuals is at risk.
The Israeli military has not responded to these allegations. However, reports suggest that Israeli forces are attempting to establish a corridor through Deir al-Balah to cut off movement between areas, which are increasingly restricted as 87.8% of Gaza is under evacuation orders. Despite speculation about the presence of Israeli hostages in the region, host family members worry that military action could jeopardize their safety.
This military campaign, which began following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life; Gaza's health ministry reports over 59,029 fatalities since the onset of the conflict, highlighting the devastating toll of ongoing violence in the region. As the situation unfolds, the call for immediate action and comprehensive humanitarian support has never been more urgent.
The ongoing conflict, which has lasted for 21 months between Israel and Hamas, escalated recently with the Israeli military's first major ground operation in Deir al-Balah. This offensive has resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinian civilians and severe food shortages in the area. The UN reported an alarming number of malnourished individuals presenting at medical facilities, with health officials from Gaza indicating that at least 19 people have succumbed to malnutrition since the weekend.
Warnings from military authorities preceded the attacks, as Israeli tanks advanced through the city, resulting in the evacuation order for several city blocks. Residents in the affected area, estimated at 50,000 to 80,000 people, were directed to seek refuge in the southern al-Mawasi area amid threats of military action aimed at destroying perceived terrorist capabilities.
In a statement released on Monday, the WHO denounced the attacks on its facilities, detailing instances where both staff and their families endured harrowing experiences, including forced evacuations amidst active conflict and detention of some staff members. They reported that male family members were handcuffed and interrogated under the threat of violence. While some detainees have been released, one WHO staff member remains in custody.
The WHO also noted the destruction of its warehouse, which was reportedly looted following an explosion initiated by the military strike. They did not place blame directly but highlighted a concerning trend of systematic attacks on healthcare facilities, warning that ongoing operations in Gaza are now untenable, and the survival of approximately two million individuals is at risk.
The Israeli military has not responded to these allegations. However, reports suggest that Israeli forces are attempting to establish a corridor through Deir al-Balah to cut off movement between areas, which are increasingly restricted as 87.8% of Gaza is under evacuation orders. Despite speculation about the presence of Israeli hostages in the region, host family members worry that military action could jeopardize their safety.
This military campaign, which began following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life; Gaza's health ministry reports over 59,029 fatalities since the onset of the conflict, highlighting the devastating toll of ongoing violence in the region. As the situation unfolds, the call for immediate action and comprehensive humanitarian support has never been more urgent.
