World health organization

Israeli law mandating graphic warning images on all smoking products takes effect

CEO of the Israel Cancer Association, Moshe Bar Haim, called the legislation "a very dramatic milestone in the fight against smoking," which claims more than 1,000 lives in Israel every month.

Pictorial warnings on cigarette packaging, now required by law.
A lifeguard patrols North Steyne beach as beaches are closed after recent shark attacks, in Sydney, Australia, January 20, 2026.

WHO releases new guidelines to prevent drowning as 2.5 meter waves expected in Israel

Protesters hold a banner and chant slogans as they march during a demonstration against a controversial US-built Ebola quarantine centre slated to begin operations at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki on June 9, 2026.

Aid group says seven Americans quarantining at Kenya Ebola facility after US travel ban

Employees work during a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, July 2, 2026.

Oxford begins first human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, Germany treats infected US citizen


WHO reports release of staff member detained by Israeli forces in Gaza

In July, the United Nations agency said the Israeli military had attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in the Gazan city of Deir al-Balah.

IDF operates in Jabalya, August 24, 2025.

Turned back from Gaza, aid shipments sit in warehouses, on roadsides

Responding to international outrage sparked by images of starving Gazans, Israel on July 27 announced measures to let more aid into Gaza. But aid agencies say only a fraction of what's sent gets in.

ARMED PALESTINIANS ride on trucks carrying humanitarian aid near the Zikim border crossing from Israel into the northern Gaza Strip in June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF accuse Hamas of blocking deliveries and stealing supplies, the writer notes.

'She understood our pain': Hostage mothers meet with Red Cross president in Geneva

“We felt the president was sincere in her response and assured us that she would do everything in her power to help," Galia David, the mother of Evyatar David.

Vicky Cohen

New COVID variant 'Stratus' rapidly spreads across US and Europe, WHO asseses as low risk

The World Health Organization assessed that the global risk from this variant is low, but data indicates a sharp rise in cases in recent months. However, in Israel, the infection rate remains lower.

 New COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 spreads globally, cases confirmed in Russia and US. Illustration.

Int'l Red Cross, WHO, call for the release of the hostages in Gaza in joint statement

The International Red Cross and the World Health Organization call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.

 International Red Cross vehicles drive by on the day of the handover of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander to the International Red Cross, in the Gaza Strip May 12, 2025.

IDF rejects WHO claim Israeli soldiers attacked staff during Deir al-Balah operations

The WHO said the Israeli military attacked its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah on Monday, compromising its operations in Gaza.

 Palestinians gather at an aid distribution center in Deir Al-Balah, in the Gaza Strip, May 28, 2025.

At least 59 Palestinians killed in mass casualty event near Gaza food site, medics say

Medics said at least 59 people were killed and 200 wounded, at least 20 of them in critical condition.

 A Palestinian man carries aid supplies, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza Strip, June 16, 2025; illustrative.

Multiple cases of new COVID-19 variant found by CDC's airport screening program -CBS

"Considering the available evidence, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low at the global level," the World Health Organization reported.

 Empty Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine vials for children aged 5-11 are seen in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, US, November 6, 2021.

Trump's White House launches COVID website that criticizes WHO, Fauci and Biden

The website was also critical of steps like social distancing, mask mandates and lockdowns.

 White House official COVID-19 website

'Antisemitic organization': Israel's Knesset debates leaving World Health Org.

Knesset members said the WHO is antisemitic, but Israel's Medical Association warned the WHO is crucial for pandemics, research, and medical standards.

  The World Health Organization (WHO) logo is seen near its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, February 2, 2023.