Indian army officer killed in Israeli strike in Rafah

Former Indian Army officer Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale, serving in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), tragically lost his life in an Israeli strike in Rafah, Gaza Strip.

Kale's death has sparked outrage in India. While en route to the European Hospital, their vehicle was targeted, resulting in Colonel Kale's demise and injuring another UN staff member.

This incident marks the first international casualty for the UN since the Israeli invasion of Gaza began on October 7, 2023.

Colonel Kale had recently joined the UNDSS as a security coordination officer. His remains are expected to be repatriated to India on Wednesday. The circumstances surrounding the attack are still under investigation, with no clear information on the perpetrators available at this time.

Colonel Kale, formerly of the Indian Army's 11 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment, retired two years prior and had worked with multinational companies before joining the UN. He is survived by his wife and two teenage children in Pune.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack, stressing the importance of safeguarding humanitarian workers and urging an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Deputy spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, reiterated the condemnation of attacks on UN personnel and called for a thorough investigation, highlighting the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

"The loss of Col Waibhav Kale, who was serving with the UNDSS in Gaza, deeply saddens us. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this challenging time," stated the Permanent Mission of India to the UN on X.