WHO Denounces Israeli Attacks on Health Facilities in Gaza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong condemnation regarding recent Israeli military actions in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, which jeopardized its operational capabilities in the region. According to a statement released by the WHO on October 30, 2023, Israeli forces targeted a building that housed WHO staff and their families, exposing them to significant danger during ongoing military operations. The agency reported that its main warehouse was also attacked, leading to substantial damage and looting by desperate civilians.

The WHO's condemnation follows a series of escalating military actions by Israel in Gaza, which began in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages. The current conflict has seen approximately 59,029 fatalities in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry.

The WHO stated that the attacks on its facilities occurred amid a major Israeli ground offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas's operational capabilities. This offensive has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, with reports of a growing humanitarian crisis, including alarming rates of malnutrition. "We are witnessing an unprecedented level of suffering," said Dr. Paul H. F. Sutherland, a senior advisor at the WHO. "The systematic destruction of health facilities in Gaza is crippling efforts to sustain an already collapsing health system."

The Israeli military's operation in Deir al-Balah marks its first substantial ground assault in the area since the onset of the current conflict. As reported by Haaretz, Israeli forces aim to establish a corridor through the city to limit movement between central Gaza and the al-Mawasi area. UN officials indicated that about 87.8% of Gaza is now subject to evacuation orders or military zones, leaving approximately 2.1 million residents confined to a mere 46 square kilometers of land.

In light of these developments, the WHO has urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities and called for the protection of its personnel and facilities. The organization has relocated its staff and their families to safer premises within Deir al-Balah, although significant concerns remain for those who have been detained during military actions.

While the Israeli military has not publicly commented on the WHO's claims, the ongoing offensive continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation has drawn condemnation from numerous nations, with calls for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law. The WHO's actions are part of a broader appeal for the protection of civilians and health workers amid escalating violence in the region. As the conflict continues, the implications for public health and safety remain dire, with the WHO warning that the survival of millions hangs in the balance.