The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that its personnel will remain in Gaza City, defying calls from the Israeli military for civilians to evacuate.
The statement was issued via X, addressed to “civilians in Gaza,” where WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the latest evacuation directive.
According to UN estimates, roughly one million Palestinians live in and around Gaza City. Tedros stated that Israel’s demand for residents to relocate to what it calls a “humanitarian zone” in the south is not feasible. “The zone is not large enough and lacks the services needed to support those already there, let alone new arrivals,” he wrote.
The Israeli military has intensified its offensive in Gaza City, aiming to seize control of the area. WHO’s decision to stay underscores the organization’s commitment to maintaining a presence amid escalating conflict.