An Indian personnel working with the United Nations lost his life in Gaza during an attack on the vehicle he was traveling in, marking the first international casualty for the organisation since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The victim identified as Waibhav Anil Kale, was a former Indian Army personnel, who served in the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS). The incident occurred in Rafah, where the UN vehicle, en route to the European Hospital, was struck. Another DSS member was injured in the same incident.

A somber atmosphere enveloped the Thane residence of Waibhav Anil Kale upon receiving news of the former Indian Army officer's death while working for the United Nations in Gaza. Kale (46) passed away while traveling in a UN vehicle to a hospital in the Khan Younis area from Rafah.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and the UN both extended their condolences to Kale's family, expressing deep sadness over his untimely demise.

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"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," read a post on the official X handle of India's Permanent Mission to the UN.

Who Was Colonel (Retd) Waibhav Anil Kale

Waibhav Anil Kale, a crucial figure in thwarting the 2016 terror assault on the Pathankot air base, was praised by his close friend Lt. Col. Hange SD (retd) during an interview with TOI on Tuesday. Hange, who led a Tank Transport unit during the attack, revealed that Kale, aged 46 and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, was commanding the Indian Army's 11 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles battalion at the time. He had taken retirement two years ago to join the UN.

Kale hailed from the 'November' squadron of the 97th course at the academy, graduating in 1999. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2000 after completing his training at the Indian Military Academy.

His aunt, Mugdha Ashok Kale, expressed disbelief and described the shock of losing him. "When we heard about Waibhav, it came as a big shock. We still can't believe he is no more. We hadn't even seen much of him in the recent past. However, it feels he is still with us in spirit. Even though the bitter truth comes out eventually, our minds aren't ready to accept and reconcile with it. Hence, for us, Waibhav is still alive," she told ANI.

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Describing Kale's commitment to service, his cousin Chinmay Ashok Kale recalled his active nature and dedication to family. He shared Kale's journey from childhood to joining the army, fulfilling his grandfather's dream of serving the nation.

“Patriotism and service to the nation run in the veins of the Kale family. It was his grandfather's wish that he join the forces. He sat for the exam on several occasions but couldn't crack it. However, he did not lose heart and kept at it till he finally fulfilled his grandfather's dream by being drafted into the army," he said.

Kale's sister-in-law, Ajita Kale, said, “he was ready to give his all for the country”.


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