Former Indian Army officer working with UN killed in attack in Rafah

NEW YORK: A retired Indian Army officer working for the UN in Gaza has been killed while travelling in a vehicle to a hospital in the Khan Younis area from the Rafah region. The Indian staffer, Waibhav Anil Kale (46), was a former Indian Army officer and was working for the United Nations (UN).

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, on Tuesday, expressed their condolences to his family during this difficult time. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Col Vaibhav Kale, working for the UN Department of Safety and Security in Gaza. Our deepest condolences are with the family during this difficult time”, they shared on X.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Col Waibhav Kale, working for the UN Department of Safety and Security in Gaza. Our deepest condolences are with the family during this difficult time.https://t.co/rBRvG1wuRw

— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) May 14, 2024

The United Nations, on Tuesday, expressed condolences for the death of an Indian national, working for the UN Department of Safety and Security in Gaza. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, in a statement, condoled the death of the Indian national.

“The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah this morning”, the UN said in a statement.

A big salute to Col Waibhav Anil Kale a Veteran of my Regiment #IndianArmy who died in shelling in #Rafah in #Gaza #Palestine while serving with #UnitedNations as a Security Coordination Officer.

Rest In Peace Braveheart. pic.twitter.com/KvGaoKYxSE

— Brigadier Hardeep Singh Sohi,Shaurya Chakra (R) (@Hardisohi) May 14, 2024

According to the statement of the UN official, Waibhav Anil Kale joined the United Nations as the security service coordinator a month ago in Gaza.

Moreover, the Secretary-General condemned all such attacks on the UN personnel, calling for a full investigation. “The Secretary-General condemns all attacks on UN personnel and calls for a full investigation. He sends his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member,” the statement read.

The Secretary-General appealed for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages. “With the conflict in Gaza continuing to take a heavy toll – not only on civilians but also on humanitarian workers – the Secretary-General reiterates his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release of all hostages”, the statement added.

Kale belonged to the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and had taken retirement two years ago to join the UN. His family is in Pune district of Maharashtra.(ANI)