Gaza: The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Israeli military attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah city in the Gaza Strip, compromising its operations in Gaza.

According to Qatar News Agency, the United Nations agency reported that the WHO staff residence was attacked three times, with airstrikes causing a fire and extensive damage, endangering staff and their families, including children. The WHO detailed that the Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward Al-Mawasi amid active conflict. Male staff and family members were reportedly handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and screened at gunpoint.

The incident resulted in the detention of two WHO staff and two family members, as reported in a post on X by the organization. It was stated that three individuals were later released, while one staff member remained in detention. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus demanded the immediate release of the detained staff and the protection of all its personnel.

Additionally, WHO reported that its main warehouse, located within an evacuation zone, was damaged due to an attack that triggered explosions and a fire inside. Despite these setbacks, WHO affirmed its commitment to remain in Deir al-Balah and expand its operations in the region.