The United Nations has launched an investigation into the killing of Indian staff member in Rafah, in southern Gaza, amid the ongoing Israeli military strikes, UN’s deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq had said on 14th May 2024.

Col Waibhav Anil Kale (Rtd), a former Indian Army officer, was killed on 13th May 2024 when the UN vehicle he was travelling in came under heavy firing. While Col Kale (46) was killed, another staff member, a Jordanian woman, was injured. Haq said that the vehicle was driving to the European Hospital in Rafah.

The UN also confirmed that the killing of the Indian staff member was its ‘first international casualty’ in Gaza.

“We are in discussion with Israel to determine exactly how this incident happened and the nature of what happened,” Haq said. “I don’t think at this stage we are in doubt about where the shots came from as much as what the circumstances were. We believe it came from a tank in the area.”

“What we know so far indicates that a weapon appears to have impacted the back of a white UN vehicle, carrying two UN staff members, killing one and injuring another,” he explained.

“It’s very early in the investigation, and details of the incident are still being verified with the Israeli Defense Forces,” he added.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres had expressed was sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member. He condemned all attacks on UN personnel and called for a full investigation. Guterres reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release of all hostages.

According to the UN, there are currently 71 international UN staff members in Gaza.