The World Health Organization (WHO) has sharply criticized the handling of health infrastructure in the Gaza conflict after one of its central warehouses was damaged in an attack.
The attack on the WHO’s main warehouse in central Gaza is part of “a pattern of systematic destruction of health facilities,” the UN agency said on X on Wednesday, without assigning blame to a specific party.
The WHO on Tuesday accused the Israeli military of attacking its facilities in the city of Deir al-Balah and detaining staff members earlier in the week.
The Israeli army said those detained in the operation were taken into custody on suspicion of “involvement in terrorism,” and that most were released after being questioned on site.
The Israeli military did not initially comment on the allegations of a “systematic destruction of health facilities.”
In the past, it has stated that it makes significant efforts to minimize damage to civilian buildings.
The WHO released footage showing the severely damaged warehouse. The attack caused explosions and a fire inside the facility, the agency said. There were no reports of casualties.
The Israeli military recently moved into the south-western part of Deir al-Balah, stating it was conducting operations against Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the area.
Palestinians mourn for their relatives who were killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa