IDF rejects WHO claim Israeli soldiers attacked staff during Deir al-Balah operations - Jerusalem Post Staff, Reuters

 

by Jerusalem Post Staff, Reuters

The WHO said the Israeli military attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah on Monday, compromising its operations in Gaza.

 

Palestinians gather at an aid distribution center in Deir Al-Balah, in the Gaza Strip, May 28, 2025.

(photo credit: Reuters/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT./File Photo)

 

The IDF on Tuesday said that there were no casualties among the World Health Organization's (WHO) workers in Gaza, and that their evacuation from the area was coordinated with the military beforehand. 

Earlier, the WHO said the Israeli military attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah on Monday, compromising its operations in Gaza.

The United Nations agency said the WHO staff residence was attacked three times, with airstrikes causing a fire and extensive damage, and endangering staff and their families, including children.

"The Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward Al-Mawasi amid active conflict. Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and screened at gunpoint," WHO said.

Two WHO staff and two family members were detained, it said in a post on X/Twitter, adding that three were later released, while one staff member remained in detention.

A site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Deir Al-Balah the Gaza Strip. April 7, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

"WHO demands the immediate release of the detained staff and protection of all its staff," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

IDF says they identified gunfire in the Deir al-Balah area, detained suspects on suspicion of terrorism

According to the IDF, soldiers identified gunfire directed at them in the Deir al-Balah area on Monday and returned fire at the location from which shots were fired.

Soldiers detained several suspects on suspicion of involvement in terrorism, and, following questioning in the field, the majority were released and evacuated from the area in coordination with international organizations, the military stated.

The IDF stated that at times, during field questioning, it is necessary for individuals suspected of terrorist activity to temporarily remove some of their clothing to ensure they are not wearing explosive belts or are armed. 

According to the IDF, they warned civilians to evacuate and held discussions with international organizations operating in the vicinity, and stated that the military is in constant communication with these international groups.

International teams have been able to safely evacuate in coordination with the IDF, the military added.

Jerusalem Post Staff, Reuters

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-861856

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