Former Indian Army officer Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale, who was working with the United Nations in Gaza, tragically lost his life during an Israeli airstrike in Rafah.
This incident has caused anger and sadness in India. Colonel Kale was on his way to a hospital when his vehicle was hit by an attack, resulting in his death and injuring another UN staff member. This is the first time a UN international staff member has been killed since the Israeli invasion of Gaza began in October 2023.
Colonel Kale had recently joined the UN Department of Safety and Security as a security coordination officer. Before this, he served in the Indian Army’s 11 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment and retired two years ago. He briefly worked with multinational companies before joining the UN. He leaves behind his wife and two teenage children in Pune, India.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to protect humanitarian workers and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN expressed deep sadness over Colonel Kale’s loss and extended heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. The incident is under investigation, and the identity of the attackers remains unknown.