A former Indian Army officer, Col. Waibhav Anil Kale, working with the United Nations, was killed in Gaza when the vehicle he was traveling in was attacked in the strife-torn area of Rafah. This incident marks the "first international casualty" for the UN since the Israel-Hamas conflict began last year. The United Nations has called for a thorough investigation into the attack, while Israel has initiated a separate investigation. Col. Waibhav Anil Kale, aged 46, had retired early from the Indian Army in 2022 and had joined the UN as a Security Coordination Officer in the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) just two months prior to the incident, as confirmed by officials in New Delhi on May 14th. 

Kale, who had previously served with the 11 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, was traveling with another DSS staff member to the European Hospital in Rafah when their UN vehicle was targeted on Monday morning. The other individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained serious injuries in the attack. 

According to Kale's LinkedIn profile, he joined the Indian Army in April 2004 and also served as the Contingent Chief Security Officer with the United Nations from 2009 to 2010. He pursued his B.A. from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and held degrees in Behavioural Science and International Humanitarian Law. Kale also studied at various institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management in Lucknow and Indore. 

In a statement conveyed by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow upon learning about the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and the injury of another DSS staffer. Guterres unequivocally condemned all attacks on UN personnel and emphasised the necessity of a thorough investigation. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased staff member. 

Given the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which is inflicting substantial harm not only on civilians but also on humanitarian workers, the Secretary-General reiterated his urgent plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages. In a post on X, Guterres disclosed that the UN vehicle was targeted in Gaza, resulting in the loss of one colleague's life and injuring another. He lamented that more than 190 UN staff members have lost their lives in Gaza. 

During a press briefing, Haq stated that they are currently in the process of informing the respective governments and family members regarding the incident. He clarified that the individuals involved were international staff and affirmed that this marks the first international casualty within the UN. While there have been international casualties among workers for the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, Haq noted that he was not previously aware of any international casualties among UN staff. Haq further explained that the UN vehicle was en route to the European hospital in Rafah as part of their routine duties to assess security conditions at various locations. When questioned about the details surrounding the vehicle's attack, Haq mentioned that they are still gathering information and anticipate receiving reports from the relevant authorities. 

Haq mentioned that nearly 190 UN personnel have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, with the majority being national staff of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). He also stated that the UN plans to establish accountability measures, although achieving this largely hinges on an end to the conflict. The UN intends to collaborate with local authorities to ensure restitution for those who have been killed. 

Regarding the specific details of the incident, Haq indicated that while he was not fully briefed on whether the struck vehicle was part of a larger convoy, he believed it was part of a moving convoy, and the vehicle hit belonged to the Department of Safety and Security (DSS). 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged receiving a report from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) confirming injuries to two of its workers in the Rafah area of southern Gaza on Monday. The IDF stated that the incident is currently under review. 

The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed deep sorrow over the death of a UN humanitarian worker and the injury of another in Gaza, emphasising that too many civilian and humanitarian lives have been lost in the conflict. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged efforts toward achieving peace. 

In April, seven members of the World Central Kitchen were killed in an IDF strike in Gaza, including Zomi Frankcom, an Australian of Indian descent. 

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), between October 7, 2023, and May 12, 2024, at least 35,091 Palestinians have been killed and 78,827 injured in Gaza. Additionally, more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, including 33 children, were killed in Israel, with the majority of casualties occurring on October 7 during Hamas attacks. 

Image Source: India.com