Israel's military on Tuesday responded to accusations by the World Health Organization (WHO) that its forces attacked the UN agency's facilities in central Gaza and detained staff members. The military said soldiers came under fire in the city of Deir al-Balah on Monday and returned fire in the direction the shots originated.

The World Health Organization said Monday its facilities in Gaza had come under Israeli attack, echoing calls from Western countries for an immediate ceasefire as Israel expanded military operations to the central city of Deir el-Balah.

LONDON -- The World Health Organization said it will expand its medical services in Gaza, even after its staff residence in Deir al Balah, Gaza, was attacked three times by the Israel Defense Forces, WHO officials said Tuesday.