Deeply Saddened By Loss Of Col Waibhav Kale: Permanent Mission Of India To UN

An Indian staff member of the UN Department of Safety and Security, Col Waibhav Kale, was killed in Gaza on Monday when their vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah. 

India lost its former Indian Army personnel who was serving as a staff member of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS), Col. Waibhav Kale, on Monday.  This marks the 'first' casualty among international UN staff in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated following the October 7 attacks. Another DSS staffer was injured in the incident. 

Col Waibhav Cale was killed when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah. Earlier, the identity of the deceased was not revealed. In an X post, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN confirmed the death of the former Indian Army personnel.

"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," it said in a statement. 

The identity of the UN staffer was earlier not revealed. However, a PTI report citing sources stated that he was from India and a former Indian Army personnel.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack, calling for a full investigation. "Humanitarian workers must be protected. I condemn all attacks on UN personnel and reiterate my urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire & the release of all hostages," Guterres said in an X post. 

In a statement issued by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated, "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". 

"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 the release of all hostages," the statement read further. 

READ | Indian UN Staffer 'First' International Casualty Of Israel's War In Gaza