WHO Operations Compromised: Gaza Attacks Impact Staff & Families
WHO Condemns Attacks on Staff and Facilities in Deir al Balah, demands Immediate Release of Detained Personnel
Deir al Balah, Gaza – The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a scathing condemnation of intensified hostilities in Deir al Balah, Gaza, which have resulted in grave danger to its staff and families, the mistreatment of those sheltering in the area, and the destruction of its main warehouse. The organization is demanding the immediate release of a detained WHO staff member and the continuous protection of all its personnel and facilities.
Following the latest evacuation order issued by the Israeli military, WHO’s staff residence in Deir al Balah was targeted three times today. Airstrikes caused a fire and meaningful damage, exposing staff and their families, including children, to extreme danger and trauma. In a deeply concerning progress, Israeli military forces entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot towards Al-Mawasi amidst active conflict. Male staff and family members were subjected to handcuffing, stripping, on-the-spot interrogation, and screening at gunpoint. Two WHO staff members and two family members were detained; three have since been released, but one staff member remains in detention. In a high-risk mission,32 individuals,including women and children,were subsequently evacuated to the WHO office,which itself is situated near the evacuation zone and active conflict.
The latest evacuation order has severely impacted multiple WHO premises, compromising the organization’s operational presence in Gaza. As the United Nations’ lead health agency, this disruption cripples efforts to sustain a collapsing health system and further jeopardizes the survival of over two million people. Most of WHO’s staff housing is now inaccessible, with 43 staff and their families having been relocated to the WHO office under darkness and significant risk due to intensified hostilities the previous night.
The destruction extended to WHO’s main warehouse in Deir al Balah, located within the evacuation zone. Yesterday, an attack caused explosions and fire within the facility, contributing to a pattern of systematic destruction of health infrastructure. The warehouse was subsequently looted by desperate crowds. With the main warehouse nonfunctional and medical supplies in Gaza critically depleted, WHO’s capacity to support hospitals, emergency medical teams, and health partners – already facing severe shortages of medicines, fuel, and equipment – is drastically constrained.WHO is urgently appealing to Member States for assistance in ensuring a sustained and regular flow of medical supplies into Gaza.The geographical coordinates of all WHO premises, including offices, warehouses, and staff housing, are consistently shared with relevant parties. These facilities are fundamental to WHO’s operations in gaza and must be afforded protection at all times, irrespective of evacuation or displacement orders. Any threat to these premises constitutes a direct threat to the entire humanitarian health response in the territory.
In alignment with the UN’s stance,WHO remains committed to its presence in Deir al Balah and intends to deliver and expand its operations. though, with 88% of Gaza now under evacuation orders or within Israeli-militarized zones, the reality is that there is no safe place for civilians or humanitarian workers.
WHO expresses profound dismay at the perilous conditions under which humanitarians and health workers are forced to operate.As the security situation and access continue to deteriorate, established red lines are repeatedly crossed, pushing humanitarian operations into an ever-shrinking space for response.
The organization reiterates its call for the immediate release of the detained WHO staff member and the protection of all its personnel and premises. Furthermore, WHO reaffirms its demand for the active protection of civilians, healthcare facilities, and personnel, alongside the rapid and unimpeded flow of aid, including food, fuel, and health supplies, at scale into and across Gaza. WHO also calls for the unconditional release of all hostages.
The relentless pressure on life in Gaza is escalating,diminishing the possibility of preventing further loss of life and reversing the immense damage inflicted upon the health system.A ceasefire is not merely necessary; it is long overdue.