WHO Accuses Israeli Military of Detaining Aid Workers, Striking Gaza Facilities

The World Food Programme (WFP) and major UN agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNRWA, have condemned Israeli military actions that have severely impeded humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza. On July 20, a WFP convoy delivering vital food assistance was attacked by Israeli forces, resulting in numerous civilian casualties among those trying to access food. WHO reported that Israeli troops raided and attacked their staff residences and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah, forcibly strip-searching and detaining male staff while women and children were forced to flee amid active conflict. These attacks have critically hampered WHO's ability to support Gaza's health sector, which is already facing severe shortages of medicines, fuel, and equipment. UNRWA highlighted the dangers civilians face at aid distribution sites, with over 1,000 deaths reported since May among those attempting to access humanitarian aid. The UN agencies continue to call for the protection of civilians and aid workers, urgent restoration of humanitarian operational conditions, and the immediate release of detained aid staff.