Israeli Strikes Hit WHO Facilities in Gaza Amid Widespread International Criticism

Israeli airstrikes have damaged World Health Organization (WHO) warehousing and staff accommodation in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, as international criticism intensifies over the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians and humanitarian operations. The strikes occurred alongside Israel's decision to revoke the work visa of Jonathan Whittall, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) in Gaza, citing alleged anti-Israel bias.

The developments follow a joint statement by 27 Western countries, including the UK, France, Australia, and Canada, urging Israel to allow greater humanitarian access and calling for an immediate end to hostilities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the "last lifelines keeping people alive [in Gaza] are collapsing" and said humanitarian efforts are "being impeded, undermined and endangered." Health officials in Gaza reported 15 additional deaths from malnutrition within 24 hours, including four children.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described himself as "appalled" by the situation in Gaza, stating in a BBC interview that "when you see innocent children holding out their hand for food, and you see them shot and killed in the way that we have seen in the last few days, of course Britain must call it out." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also urged Israel to stop attacks on civilians at aid distribution points, stating she had conveyed to Israel's foreign minister that "IDF [Israel Defense Forces] must stop killing people at distribution points."

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa), said more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli forces in recent weeks as they sought food aid, describing Gaza as a "hell on earth." He reported that Unrwa staff, doctors, and humanitarian workers are fainting from hunger and exhaustion, with many surviving on a single small meal per day. The UN World Food Programme has assessed that a quarter of Gaza's population faces famine-like conditions, with nearly 100,000 women and children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, called the humanitarian situation in Gaza "morally unacceptable" after visiting the territory, noting that people were waiting for hours in the sun for basic food.

Despite international statements, aid agencies have criticized governments for not taking stronger action to address the crisis. Kristyan Benedict of Amnesty International UK accused the British government of failing to meet its legal obligations under the genocide convention.

Israeli forces have advanced into Deir al-Balah, the last major city in Gaza not previously subjected to large-scale ground operations. Israel maintains that its actions are intended to pressure Hamas to release hostages, though the offensive has raised concerns over the potential displacement of Gaza's population. Ocha defended its local head, stating, "Speaking about conditions we see on the ground is a core element of Ocha’s mandate," and noted that threats to humanitarian access are increasing.