The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced plans to expand its medical services in Gaza, despite the attacks on its staff residence in Deir al Balah, Gaza, by the Israel Defense Forces. WHO Representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territories Dr. Rik Peeperkorn stated that the situation is not desperate and that the organization remains on the ground. The Israeli military entered the WHO’s staff residences, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot towards Al-Mawasi. Four people were detained, including two WHO staff and two male family members. Three were released, while one staff member is still in Israeli custody.
The Israeli military also detained several individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism, although it was not immediately clear whether it was detailing its interaction with WHO staff. The WHO’s main warehouse, which held essential medical supplies and medicines, was damaged by Israeli military attacks. The organization condemned the attacks on a building housing WHO staff in Deir al Balah, the mistreatment of those sheltering there, and the destruction of its main warehouse.
The IDF has maintained continuous and consistent contact with international organizations, facilitating safe evacuations of their personnel from evacuated areas throughout the war. Most of the WHO’s staff housing was inaccessible after the attacks, and at least 43 staff members and their families were relocated under darkness and at significant risk. WHO officials reiterated their call for the active protection of civilians, health care, and its premises, as well as for rapid and unimpeded flow of aid into and across Gaza.
