Former Indian Army personnel working with UN killed in Gaza

A former Indian Army officer working with the United Nations was killed in Gaza when a UN vehicle he was travelling in came under attack. 

The UN said he was the international staff member killed during Israel’s war in Gaza started in October last year. 

Col Waibhav Anil Kale, 46, was a staff member of the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS). Another staff member was injured in the attack when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah. 

Press Trust of India reported that Kale served with the 11 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles before taking premature retirement from the Indian Army in 2022.

He had also served as Contingent Chief Security Officer with the United Nations between 2009 and 2010. 

Condemning all attacks on UN personnel, Secretary-General António Guterres called for a full investigation, his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told reporters in New York. 

“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,” he said.

“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,” Haq said.

The UN did not directly blame the Israeli military. 

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had received a report from the UNDSS saying two of its workers were injured in the Rafah area, the BBC reported.

The IDF reportedly said that the incident was under review.

While Kale is believed to be the first international staff member of the UN killed in Gaza, six international aid workers and a Palestinian colleague from the international food charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli strike in April.