Israel -Gaza War: An Indian personnel who was working with the UN in Gaza was killed in Rafah when his vehicle came under attack on Monday morning, officials confirmed on Tuesday. This is the first international casualty for the UN since the Israel-Gaza conflict began. The personnel was working with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) and was on his route to the European Hospital in Rafah when his vehicle was attacked. Another DSS official was injured in the attack.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed sorrow upon hearing about the passing of the Indian personnel. A statement from Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, conveyed Guterres’s condemnation of all assaults on UN personnel and his plea for a thorough investigation. Guterres also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased 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.
When asked specifics about the vehicle attack, Haq explained that they are still gathering information and that they are still waiting on details from relevant authorities. He noted that nearly 190 UN personnel have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, primarily consisting of UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) national staff.
Haq also mentioned plans for establishing accountability measures for such incidents. He assured collaboration with local authorities to seek justice for those who have perished. Haq couldn’t confirm if the vehicle was part of a larger convoy but indicated it was on the move when the DSS vehicle was struck.
Meanwhile, Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a UN humanitarian worker and injury to another in Gaza.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that at least 35,091 Palestinians were killed between Oct 7, 2023 and May 12, 2024. On the other hand, over 1200 Israelis, including 33 children were killed in Israel, majorly when Hamas attacked Israel.
(With Agency Inputs)