Retired Indian Army officer killed in attack on UN vehicle in Gaza’s Rafah

Another DSS staffer, who was with Kale, was injured in the incident.

After retiring from the Army in 2022, Kale joined the UNDSS as a Security Coordination Officer two months ago and reached Gaza about a month ago.

In his more than two decades long career in the military, Waibhav Anil Kale served in the north-east and also in the Siachen glacier. (Source: LinkedIn)

The United Nations has called for a full investigation while Israel has ordered a separate investigation into the attack.

Officers here told The Indian Express that Kale had a distinguished military career spanning more than two decades. He was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in June 2000 and earned the reputation of a brave and dedicated officer.

He commanded 11 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in Punjab and had also been part of the counter-insurgency unit in Jammu and Kashmir. He had received multiple recommendations from the military while in service.

A former Army officer, who had served with Kale in Arunachal Pradesh around 2007, described him as a quiet, seasoned military operator.

“He was a good athlete and was known to give sound advice to people seeking direction on various matters. He was highly respected in his unit,” the former officer said.

Recalling a conversation he had with his former colleagues recently, he said that Kale was keen to serve in his current UN appointment. In the past, Kale had served as a UN peacekeeper in Congo.

“On concerns over being posted in Gaza, he had highlighted his long career in the Army during which he served in several conflict locations, while pointing out that they are well protected and secured in conflict zones,” the former officer said.

In the latest incident too, Kale was travelling in a Level 6 bulletproof UN-marked vehicle when it came under fire.

A Level 6 bulletproof vehicle can offer protection from ammunition of up to 7.62 mm. Kale’s fatal injuries indicated that the vehicle was hit by heavier ammunition.

A statement issued by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, stated that the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “was deeply saddened” to learn of the death of a UNDSS staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle came under attack.

It said Guterres condemned all attacks on UN personnel and called for a full investigation. Guterres sent his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member.

“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,” the statement added.

In a post on X, Guterres said that more than 190 UN staff have been killed in Gaza. “Humanitarian workers must be protected. I condemn all attacks on UN personnel and reiterate my urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire & the release of all hostages,” he said.

“His death is a reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by UN staff members who work tirelessly to promote peace and stability in some of the world’s most dangerous regions,” a former colleague of Kale said.

In a post on X, the Permanent Mission of India to the UN condoled Kale’s death. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Col Waibhav Kale, working for the UN Department of Safety and Security in Gaza. Our deepest condolences are with the family during this difficult time,” it said.