The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that its staff and partner organisations will continue operating in Gaza City, despite evacuation calls issued by the Israeli military ahead of intensified assaults.
In a public statement, WHO affirmed, “To civilians in Gaza: WHO and partners remain in Gaza City,” emphasising its decision to maintain a presence amid the conflict. The agency’s leadership also cautioned that relocating hundreds of thousands of civilians to a designated “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza was not feasible.
The Israeli Defence Forces distributed evacuation leaflets and broadcast warnings urging civilians to leave Gaza City as military operations expanded. Humanitarian and rights groups have warned that large-scale displacement could further endanger civilians due to inadequate shelter, infrastructure, and security in relocation areas.
WHO did not disclose the number of staff members or specific partner agencies remaining in Gaza City but reaffirmed its commitment to providing essential health services.
WHO Staff to Remain in Gaza City Despite Evacuation Orders
