Background on the WHO and its Relevance
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It plays a crucial role in setting global health standards, providing technical assistance to countries, monitoring and responding to health emergencies, and promoting research for disease control and development of health policies.
Recent Events in Deir al Balá, Gaza
Attacks on WHO Facilities and Detention of Staff
On Monday, the WHO reported three attacks on its facilities in Deir al Balá, central Gaza, which is the target of a new Israeli military offensive. The attacks included bombardments and resulted in the detention of two WHO staff members by Israeli forces.
The WHO stated that its operations have been affected by attacks on a warehouse and facilities where staff and their families sought refuge in Gaza. The attacks have caused significant damage, including a fire, and exposed staff members and their families, including children, to grave danger and trauma.
Details of the Attacks
According to the WHO, following intense hostilities in Deir al Balá after an Israeli evacuation order, the staff residence was attacked multiple times. Military personnel forced women and children to evacuate on foot towards Al Mawasi amidst ongoing conflict. Men and family members were bound, stripped, interrogated on-site, and searched at gunpoint.
Detention of WHO Staff Members
Two WHO workers and two family members were detained. Three of them were later released, but one remains in custody. The WHO has demanded the continued protection of its staff and the immediate release of the detained worker.
Evacuation and Continued Operations
Thirty-two people were gathered and evacuated to another WHO location, where they could contact the staff. Despite these events, the WHO intends to continue its operations in Deir al Balá, aiming to expand services.
Importance of WHO Operations in Gaza
The WHO emphasizes that the coordinates of all its facilities have been shared with relevant parties and are vital for its operations in Gaza. It stresses that these installations must always be protected, regardless of evacuation or displacement orders. Any threat to these facilities is considered a threat to the humanitarian health response in Gaza.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the World Health Organization (WHO)? The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health, setting global health standards, providing technical assistance, monitoring and responding to health emergencies, and promoting research for disease control.
- What happened in Deir al Balá, Gaza? The WHO reported three attacks on its facilities in Deir al Balá, including bombardments. Two staff members were detained by Israeli forces.
- How did the attacks affect WHO operations? The attacks caused significant damage, exposed staff and their families to grave danger, and disrupted WHO operations in the region.
- What is the WHO’s response to these events? The WHO has demanded the protection of its staff and the immediate release of the detained worker. Despite the challenges, the WHO intends to continue and expand its operations in Deir al Balá.
- Why are WHO facilities in Gaza important? The WHO’s facilities in Gaza are crucial for its operations and the humanitarian health response in the region. Any threat to these facilities is considered a threat to this response.
