WHO says Israeli military attacked staff residence in Gaza
The World Health Organization logo is pictured at the entrance of the WHO building, in Geneva, Switzerland, December 20, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
The World Health Organization said the Israeli military attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah on Monday, compromising its operations in Gaza.
The United Nations agency said the WHO staff residence was attacked three times, with airstrikes causing a fire and extensive damage, and endangering staff and their families, including children.
Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern districts of Deir al-Balah for the first time on Monday, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes hostages may be held. Tank shelling in the area hit houses and mosques, killing at least three Palestinians and wounding several others, local medics said.
"Israeli military entered the premises, forcing women and children to evacuate on foot toward Al-Mawasi amid active conflict. Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot, and screened at gunpoint," WHO said.
Two WHO staff and two family members were detained, it said in a post on X, adding that three were later released, while one staff member remained in detention.
"WHO demands the immediate release of the detained staff and protection of all its staff," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
Deir al-Balah is packed with Palestinians displaced during more than 21 months of war in Gaza, hundreds of whom fled west or south after Israel issued an evacuation order, saying it sought to destroy infrastructure and capabilities of the militant group Hamas.
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WHO said its main warehouse, located within an evacuation zone, was damaged on Sunday due to an attack that triggered explosions and a fire inside.
WHO stated it will remain in Deir al-Balah and expand its operations despite the attacks.
Britain and more than 20 other countries called on Monday for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and criticised the Israeli government's aid delivery model after hundreds of Palestinians were killed near sites distributing food.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.
The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed over 59,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population, and caused a humanitarian crisis.
The World Health Organization describes the health sector in Gaza as being "on its knees", with shortages of fuel, medical supplies and frequent mass casualty influxes. REUTERS
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GA1 affects the body's ability to break down three types of amino acids – lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan – which are commonly found in some protein-rich foods such as meat and fish. These amino acids must be broken down as the body cannot store them in large quantities. When the body cannot properly break down the amino acids, a toxic byproduct called glutaric acid builds up . Associate Professor Tan Ee Shien, who heads Genetics Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, said glutaric acid can cause serious health complications, particularly affecting the brain. She explained that the breakdown of amino acids requires an enzyme called glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH). Every person inherits two copies of the GCDH gene – one from each parent – which provide instructions for producing the enzyme. Lai Jia Chi, 15, an IP student from Temasek Junior College, counts herself lucky that she is leading a normal life despite having GA1. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR 'With variations in both copies of the gene, the enzyme does not work as it should, leading to a buildup of substances that can affect a person's health,' Prof Tan said. GA1 is considered rare, affecting about one in every 100,000 newborns worldwide. Babies with GA1 can appear completely healthy at birth and develop normally in their early months. 'Without screening and early intervention, the first sign that something is wrong could be a sudden and devastating metabolic crisis, often triggered by a common illness like fever or infection,' Prof Tan said. 'These crises can cause stroke-like episodes that may lead to permanent brain damage, affecting movements and development. This is why early detection through newborn screening is so valuable - allowing for preventive measures to be put in place before any crisis occurs, protecting the child's health and development.' When detected early, those with GA1 can develop normally and be effectively managed through strict dietary control, such as low protein intake, special medical formula and supplements to boost carnitine – which is essential for preventing muscle weakness as well as heart and liver problems. Regular metabolic monitoring and established emergency protocols in times of illness are also essential for their care. Mr Lai said: 'We researched the condition and it turned out to be very scary. We had to limit her amount of protein intake, otherwise GA1 can cause muscle weakness, spasticity, and dystonia (that affects motor skills).' He noted that many individuals with the condition in Singapore are now in wheelchairs. As for Jia Chi, her condition was caught early enough, preventing any brain damage. Her parents made it their priority to ensure that she leads a normal and healthy life. They controlled her diet and made sure she kept to her regimen of medication and supplements. During her early years, they spent $400 a month on supplements. 'We measured everything she ate and even calculated the percentage of her carbohydrate intake' to prevent other diseases such as diabetes, said Jia Chi's mother Liew Pui Yee, a 51-year-old adjunct lecturer at a polytechnic. Mr Lai added: 'The one thing that her mother and I are mindful of is that this condition can cause reduced muscle tone. (Since) we could not change that with meat intake, we made up with exercises and taekwondo classes.' The couple also learnt that the disorder can lead to brain damage, particularly affecting the basal ganglia, which is crucial for movement. 'That was why we sent her for piano lessons. She surprised us by doing well and she is now in grade 8,' Ms Liew said. Jia Chi is currently an Integrated Programme student at Temasek Junior College. 'Sometimes I forget I have the condition, especially when I am in taekwondo class,' she said. At times, her muscles still twitch, and that serves as a reminder to Jia Chi and her parents that she still has the condition. Prof Tan was amazed by the teenager's achievements. 'Her obtaining a black belt in Taekwondo and reaching Grade 8 in piano are truly remarkable. These accomplishments are especially significant because GA1 can affect motor skills and coordination, further underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate medical care,' she said.
