The World Health Organization (WHO) accused Israel of attacking its facilities in central Gaza after the expansion of Israeli military operations in the city of Deir Al-Balah, which had previously been relatively spared during the conflict with Hamas. The Israeli offensive, which has already devastated much of the territory, intensified after orders for residents to leave specific areas of the city. The information is from The New York Times.
According to WHO, an employee residence was damaged by bombing, and the site was later invaded by Israeli soldiers, who handcuffed and searched men sheltered in the building, while women and children were forcibly evacuated. Another building of the organization, a large deposit, was also hit and looted by desperate crowds. The Israeli army stated that it reacted to shots from the area and dealt with the suspects according to international law.
Deir al-Balah, who served as a refuge for Palestinians running away from other parts of Gaza, has seen a mass exodus after the evacuation warning. Residents report panic scenes, with families trying to escape while facing bombing and shooting. The city houses important UN deposits and accommodation for employees of the organization, which makes attacks even more worrying for the international community.
With over 85% of Gaza under Israeli military control or under evacuation orders, residents face few escape options. The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 people, according to the Ministry of Health of Gaza, including thousands of children.
Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages maintained by Hamas since the attacks of 7 October 2023 express fear with the intensification of attacks in the region, fearing for the safety of the captured. Defense groups require the Israeli government to clarify how it intends to protect the lives of hostages during military operations in Gaza.
