The recent escalation of violence in Gaza has drawn significant global attention, particularly following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) statement regarding an attack by the Israeli military on its operations in the region. The WHO reported that its staff residence in Deir al-Balah was subjected to multiple airstrikes, resulting in fires and widespread damage. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers and the ongoing operations in a territory that is already teetering on the brink of catastrophe.
The attacks on WHO facilities are critical as they compromise essential humanitarian efforts in Gaza. According to the organization, the staff residence faced three airstrikes, which not only endangered the lives of the WHO personnel but also those of their families, including children. This is alarming, considering that Deir al-Balah is densely populated with Palestinians who have been displaced amidst over 21 months of conflict.
On the same day, Israeli tanks moved into southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah. Reports from Israeli sources indicated that the military believed hostages might be held in that area. However, the resultant tank shelling inflicted severe damage on civilian structures, including homes and mosques, leading to fatalities and injuries among local residents. Medical reports from Gaza’s health ministry highlighted that at least 130 Palestinians were killed and over 1,000 wounded due to Israeli fire and military strikes across the region in just 24 hours. These numbers reflect one of the most devastating days in recent weeks, indicating a rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
In a detailed report, WHO described how Israeli forces invaded their premises, forcing women and children to evacuate amidst active conflict. Disturbingly, male staff and family members were reportedly handcuffed, stripped, and interrogated at gunpoint, illustrating a severe breach of human rights. Despite these actions, the WHO has vowed to continue its operations in Deir al-Balah and expand its efforts to assist the civilian population, money and resources permitting.
The situation in Deir al-Balah is particularly dire, as it serves as a main hub for humanitarian assistance within Gaza. Health officials have alarmingly warned of potential “mass deaths” due to starvation if the humanitarian crisis exacerbates. The health sector, as stated by WHO, is currently “on its knees,” with rampant shortages of critical supplies such as fuel and medical essentials, compounded by the influx of mass casualties resulting from ongoing military conflicts.
Furthermore, the WHO indicated that their main warehouse, situated within an evacuation zone, was damaged in an attack on Sunday, leading to explosions and a fire. Despite these setbacks, WHO remains determined to maintain its operations in the area, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amidst escalating violence.
Statements from UN officials underscore the gravity of the situation. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric noted that the attacks on UN facilities violated the principle of inviolability of such locations. He stressed that both humanitarian organizations and their operational headquarters must be protected, regardless of the broader evacuation orders that complicate the context. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his outrage over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, emphasizing that Israel has a responsibility to facilitate humanitarian relief effectively.
Jonathan Whittall, the UN’s local head in Gaza, denounced the current conditions, referring to them as “conditions of death.” He pointed out that widespread suffering is preventable and insisted upon the need for immediate measures to facilitate humanitarian efforts. Reports of starvation have also emerged, with UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, receiving an influx of desperate messages from individuals warning of severe food shortages, illustrating the immediate need for assistance.
Abdullah Abu Saleem, a local resident, recounted the harrowing experiences of intense bombardments, describing the night when powerful explosions erupted, shaking the ground beneath him. Reports indicate that families were trapped amid the shelling, revealing the dire consequences of military actions on civilian life. Sad events continued as Israeli military actions led to further loss of life, with additional casualties reported among families living in makeshift tents in various camps across western Gaza.
In addition to these tragedies, the detainment of health officials has raised alarms. On Monday, forces apprehended Marwan Al-Hams, the head of Gaza’s field hospitals, alongside several journalists and first responders, illustrating the dangers faced by medical staff and humanitarian workers in the ongoing conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed deep concern over security around field hospitals, emphasizing the special protection required for medical facilities in conflict zones.
The global response to the escalating violence has been vocal, with multiple Western nations calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing concern over the humanitarian situation that has reached “new depths” of suffering. The Israeli government has countered these calls, directing criticism towards Hamas and suggesting that international pressure should focus on the militant organization rather than on Israel.
