New Attack On A Doctors Of The World Office In Gaza: A Violation Of International Law
Published 11th June 2025
At 11:05 a.m. (Palestine time) yesterday, a building located in Deir El Balah, housing a Doctors of the World office, was attacked by drones.
On June 10th, around 11:00 a.m. local time, a building located in Deir El Balah that houses a Doctors of the World office was attacked by drones. The office was clearly identified and registered with the Israeli military authorities. Initial reports indicate that at least eight people were killed as a result of the bombing: four children, one teenager, and three adults, all on the top floor of the building, which was directly hit by the projectile. Because yesterday was a holiday due to the celebration of Eid, no staff from the organisation were inside at the time of the attack, so the entire Doctors of the World team is safe.
Doctors of the World had previously informed the Israeli military of the presence of its office in this building, which is officially declared “deconflicted,” meaning protected from Israeli military attacks under humanitarian coordination agreements. However, as has happened in previous Israeli attacks, the organisation’s team did not receive any prior warning that would have allowed evacuation of the building or protective measures for possible occupants.
After the attack, the Coordination and Liaison Office (CLA), responsible for authorising and coordinating the movements of humanitarian personnel within the Gaza Strip, has not provided any explanation despite being contacted by Doctors of the World.
The building is located in Deir El Balah, an area that hosts numerous offices of non-governmental organisations and had until now remained relatively spared from bombings and destruction zones in Gaza. This area is also sheltering displaced populations from the northern Gaza Strip and the Khan Yunis area, highlighting the humanitarian importance of the Doctors of the World office there.
This attack represents a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law, which protects both the civilian population and humanitarian organisations operating in conflict settings, and the second time Doctors of the World office in Gaza has been targeted and destroyed (February 2024).
“This is the second time our offices in Gaza have been targeted and destroyed, despite being clearly identified, registered with Israeli authorities, and officially deconflicted. It is unacceptable that humanitarian spaces are repeatedly struck with impunity by Israeli forces. We call on third states to move beyond condemnation and take concrete measures to uphold international humanitarian law and protect humanitarian workers and civilians in Gaza.”
Simon Tyler , Doctors of the World Director
Contact media@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk
