The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the Israeli offensive in central Gaza, asserting that it has severely affected their ability to operate in the region. The UN health agency reported attacks on its staff residence in Deir al-Balah on Monday and the destruction of its main warehouse. According to the WHO, one staff member remains detained by Israeli forces, which they demanded be released immediately.
The Israeli military countered that it had apprehended individuals suspected of terrorist activity in the area, stating that most had been released afterwards. The escalation marked the first major Israeli ground operation in Deir al-Balah amidst warnings of a humanitarian crisis, as Gaza’s Hamas-led health ministry confirmed that 33 individuals, including 12 children, succumbed to malnutrition in the past 48 hours.
On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of several city blocks in southern Deir al-Balah, urging approximately 50,000 to 80,000 residents to move southward towards al-Mawasi. Despite this, the UN's humanitarian office announced that their staff would remain, ensuring protection under the coordinated evacuation measures.
The WHO expressed concern over the dangers posed to staff and their families, noting they had been subjected to violence during Israeli raids. The agency's main facility experienced explosions and subsequent looting, further crippling their capacity to provide vital health services and deepening the public health crisis in Gaza.
While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they had acted in response to gunfire in the area, further details regarding the objective of their offensive remain unclear. Reports suggest a strategy to establish a corridor dividing Deir al-Balah from al-Mawasi, mainly due to the possible presence of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Casualties have been reported amidst the conflict, including at least three deaths due to shelling in Deir al-Balah and multiple casualties in the al-Shati refugee camp. Eyewitness accounts describe devastating scenes, plagued by hunger and loss. Asma Mustafa, a displaced mother, voiced the hardships faced, stating basic necessities, such as clean water, have become unattainable and lamented the dire condition of the wounded.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk emphasized the rising risks for civilians amidst ongoing military actions, highlighting potential violations of humanitarian law. He called for comprehensive international oversight as concerns mount over the humanitarian impacts of the conflict.
Meanwhile, calls continue for unrestricted media access to Gaza, as local journalists face dangers in covering the war. The ongoing conflict, sparked by the October 7 Hamas-led attacks in Israel, has led to staggering casualties, with over 59,000 reported dead in Gaza since the outbreak of violence.
