New Delhi/United Nations, May 14: Col Waibhav Kale, a former Indian Army officer working with a UN agency in Gaza, was killed when the UN vehicle he was travelling in came under attack in strife-torn Rafah. The Indian Mission in UN has condoled his death.
The Indian Mission posted 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.”
According to reports, Col Kale had taken premature retirement from the Indian Army in 2022, and joined the UN as a Security Coordination Officer in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) two months ago.
He had served with the 11 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles.
He was killed in a strike while he was in a UN-marked vehicle on a route approved by the Israeli military.
The ex-Indian Army officer is the “first casualty” among international UN staff in Gaza since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict following the October 7 terror attacks.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, condoled the death in a statement:
“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 traveled to the European Hospital in Rafah this morning.
“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.
“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.”
