Expressing gratitude for India's significant contribution to the United Nations (UN), Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed his heartfelt "apologies" and "condolences" to the nation following the tragic death of Waibhav Anil Kale, a soldier-turned-UN staffer, in an attack in Gaza. According to Farhan Haq, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, indications suggest that Kale's vehicle came under fire from Israeli forces on Monday.
Haq stated that the UN has initiated the establishment of a fact-finding panel to ascertain the responsibility for Monday's attack on the UN-marked vehicle Kale was traveling in. The vehicle appears to have been targeted by gunfire from a tank, and the specifics of the incident are currently under verification with the Israeli Defense Forces.
While refraining from directly naming Israel, Haq implied that the attack was carried out by its forces. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Israel to determine the exact circumstances of the incident, emphasizing the need to understand the nature of what occurred. Jordan has attributed the attack to Israel, resulting in injuries to a woman from the country.
Israel Defense Forces responded by stating that, based on initial inquiries, Monday's attack took place in an active combat zone, and they were unaware of the vehicle's movement. The incident occurred in the Rafah area of Gaza, densely populated with over a million Palestinians displaced from other parts of the territory by Israel.
Despite warnings from the UN and the international community, Israel's incursion into Rafah, in pursuit of Hamas, continues. Haq expressed appreciation for India's contributions to the UN while extending apologies and condolences to the government and people of India.
Kale's tragic death adds to the list of over 200 Indians who have lost their lives in service to the UN. Majority of them, 179, were peacekeepers, while others, like employees of the Department of Security and Safety (DSS), served in various capacities in conflict zones.
A retired Indian Army colonel, Kale, aged 46 and a father of two teenagers, had recently retired from the Army and joined the UN. He becomes the first non-Palestinian casualty in the current Gaza conflict, which escalated in October.
The UN continues its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, despite infrastructure destruction caused by Israeli attacks. Kale's vehicle was part of a convoy engaged in routine security assessments, such as the European Hospital in Rafah.
Secretary-General Guterres, condemning the attack on Kale's vehicle, reiterated the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The conflict, initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel, has resulted in casualties on both sides, with significant civilian losses.
In a separate incident last month, four foreigners and three Palestinians working for a non-profit organization were killed in Gaza. Israel acknowledged the incident, stating it was unintentional.
Read also | US rules out any exemption for Indian firms on Chabahar deal
Read also | US Government Stands by Israel Amid Gaza Genocide Allegations
