Israeli Airstrikes Hit WHO Facility After Staff Defy Evacuation Order in Gaza

UN Health Agency’s Failure to Evacuate Raises Questions Amid Deadly Strikes

Israeli airstrikes devastated a World Health Organization (WHO) staff residence in Deir al Balah on July 21, 2025, after WHO personnel and families failed to heed an Israeli military evacuation order, sources confirm.

The strikes, part of intense bombardments targeting the area, caused fires and significant damage, putting staff and children at risk due to their failure to evacuate.

Israeli forces then entered, evacuating women and children to safety in Al-Mawasi, while detaining male staff.

WHO condemned the “attacks,” but its vague report doesn’t specify why staff remained despite the order, raising questions about their decision-making in a conflict zone with no safe havens.

Reuters reported “incoming Israeli fire” as the cause, aligning with Israel’s broader air raids, per The Guardian.

With 88% of Gaza under evacuation orders, WHO’s presence underscores the humanitarian crisis, but their non-compliance risks further tragedy, compromising aid delivery.

WHO operations compromised following attacks on warehouse and facility sheltering staff and families in Deir al Balah, Gaza