"We are immensely relieved that our colleague, detained since 21/7 in Gaza, has been released this morning," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X on 24/8.
He urged all parties in the Gaza conflict to protect WHO staff, healthcare workers, and humanitarian volunteers.
In July, the WHO accused the Israeli military of attacking the staff's housing and the organization's warehouse in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
 |
A United Nations convoy in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in 4/2024. Photo: AFP |
A United Nations convoy in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, in 4/2024. Photo: AFP
The WHO alleged that Israeli soldiers forced women and children out of their shelter during the fighting, while men were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated, and had guns pointed at them. Two WHO staff members and two family members were arrested. Three were later released, while one WHO staff member remained in detention.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged on 22/7 that soldiers entered the building used by WHO and detained several people suspected of having connections to Hamas.
The IDF stated that they had warned civilians to evacuate for safety and maintained contact with international organizations. The military insisted that the arrests and interrogations were conducted "in accordance with international law," and most of the suspects were released and evacuated.
 |
Location of Deir al-Balah and other cities in the Gaza Strip. Graphic: BBC |
Location of Deir al-Balah and other cities in the Gaza Strip. Graphic: BBC
The IDF added that the soldiers' request for suspects to remove their clothing was to ensure they were not hiding explosives or weapons, a safety measure for on-site interrogation. The Israeli military also confirmed the damage to the WHO facility but stated there were no reports of casualties.
Thanh Danh (Reuters, Times of Israel)
