JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Israeli military attacked its main staff and warehouse residence in Deir al-Balah City, Gaza, Palestine on Monday, which endangered its operations in Gaza.
The United Nations (UN) agency said the WHO staff's residence was attacked three times, with airstrikes causing fires and severe damage, as well as endangering their staff and families, including children.
Israeli tanks entered the southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah for the first time on Monday, a region where Israeli sources said the military believed the hostages might be held hostage.
Tank attacks in the area hit homes and mosques, killing at least three Palestinians and injuring several others, local medics said.
"The Israeli military entered the scene, forcing women and children to flee on foot to Al-Mawasi amid active conflict. Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and examined at gunpoint," the WHO said.
Two WHO staff and two family members were detained, according to a WHO statement in a post on the X site, adding three people were later released, while one staff remained detained.
"WHO demands the immediate release of detained staff and protection for all of its staff," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Deir al-Balah was filled with Palestinians displaced for more than 21 months of war in Gaza, hundreds of whom fled west or south after Israel issued an evacuation order, arguing Israel was trying to destroy the Hamas militant group's infrastructure and capabilities.
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The WHO said its main warehouse, located inside the evacuation zone, was damaged on Sunday due to an attack that triggered an explosion and fire inside.
However, WHO said it would remain in Deir al-Balah and expand its operations despite attacks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the health sector in Gaza as "irrested", with fuel shortages, medical supplies, and frequent waves of mass casualties.
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