The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that the Israeli military attacked its office and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah on Monday, jeopardising operations in the Gaza Strip.
The UN agency said the WHO staff residence was attacked three times, with air strikes causing a fire and significant damage. WHO staff and their family members, including children, could have been killed.
On Monday, Israeli tanks appeared in the south and east of Deir al-Balah, where, according to sources, Hamas hostages may be held.
As a result of tank shelling in the area, houses and mosques were destroyed, at least three Palestinians were killed and several more were wounded, local medics said.
“Israeli soldiers entered the office, released women and children, and handcuffed, stripped and interrogated men at gunpoint,” the WHO statement said. Two of the organisation’s employees were detained.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation demands the immediate release of those detained and the protection of all its staff.
According to the WHO, its main warehouse was damaged by fire as a result of an Israeli attack on July 20. The organisation said it would remain in Deir al-Balah and continue its work despite the Tel Aviv’s military operation.
Earlier, 25 countries called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and criticised Israel’s aid delivery model after hundreds of Palestinians were killed near food distribution sites.
Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the Israeli prime minister’s office, called the appeal by 25 countries to immediately stop fighting in the Gaza Strip and resume humanitarian aid deliveries unfair.
