FridayOL

LONDON – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning after its staff residence in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, was reportedly struck by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on three separate occasions. The incidents, confirmed in a recent WHO statement, have sparked serious concerns about the safety and security of humanitarian workers operating in the besieged territory and the potential disruption of vital healthcare services.

According to WHO officials, the attacks occurred in Deir al-Balah, a densely populated area in central Gaza. The residence serves as a temporary home for WHO staff involved in providing essential medical assistance to the Gazan population, who are facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis following months of conflict.

“We are deeply concerned by these incidents and the potential for further harm to our staff and the communities we serve,” stated a WHO spokesperson. “Humanitarian workers and their facilities are explicitly protected under international humanitarian law. These attacks represent a grave violation of that protection and undermine the ability of humanitarian organizations to respond to the urgent needs of the people of Gaza.”

The Israeli military has acknowledged entering the area but has yet to provide a detailed explanation for the strikes on the WHO residence. Initial reports suggest the IDF was targeting Hamas infrastructure in the vicinity, but the WHO insists that the residence is clearly marked and used solely for humanitarian purposes. The lack of clear justification and the repeated nature of the attacks have fueled criticism from international aid organizations and human rights groups.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly since the start of the conflict, with hospitals overwhelmed, medical supplies dwindling, and access to healthcare severely restricted. The WHO and other humanitarian agencies have been working tirelessly to provide essential medical assistance, but their efforts are being hampered by the ongoing violence and the challenges of operating in a war zone.

This latest incident highlights the immense risks faced by humanitarian workers in Gaza and the urgent need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety and security of those providing life-saving assistance. The WHO is calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into the attacks and for measures to be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The repeated attacks on critical infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian facilities, raise serious questions about the proportionality of military actions and the protection of civilians in the conflict. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, any further disruption to aid operations could have devastating consequences for the population.

The WHO’s statement concludes with a renewed plea for a ceasefire and for unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The organization emphasizes that the protection of humanitarian workers and the preservation of healthcare services are essential for alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza and for creating the conditions for a lasting peace.