The UN has launched a probe into an unidentified strike on Monday. The strike killed the UN’s first international staffer in Gaza.
The staffer is an Indian national. He is identified as Col. Waibhav Anil Kale.
Another colleague was also injured in the attack.
The deceased was working with the UN Department of Safety and Security. He was heading to the European Hospital in Rafah.
India’s mission to the UN confirmed Kale’s identity on Tuesday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (UNSG) made an “urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the release of all hostages.”
He said the conflict in Gaza was continuing to take a heavy toll “not only on civilians but also on humanitarian workers.”
Guterres’s deputy spokesperson said the UN had established a fact-finding panel. They will conduct the probe.
However, he said it was early in the investigation and details were being verified with the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).
There are currently 71 UN staff members in Gaza.
Founder of World Central Kitchen, Jose Andres accuses Israel of deliberately targeting aid workers. Israel denies the charges.
Israel killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen in April.
Prime Minister Netanyahu called the attack “unfortunate.” However, he said that “this happens in wartime.”
International allies and aid groups have warned Israel against a ground incursion into Rafah.
Israel says it must destroy four Hamas battalions in Rafah.
(REUTERS)
Traveller, bibliophile and wordsmith with a yen for international relations. A journalist and budding author of short fiction, life is a daily struggle to uncover the latest breaking story while attempting to be Hemingway in the self-same time. Focussed especially on Europe and West Asia, discussing Brexit, the Iran crisis and all matters related is a passion that endures to this day. Believes firmly that life without the written word is a life best not lived. That’s me, Ashwin Ahmad.
