Israeli Tank Strike
The United Nations has provided additional details regarding the tragic attack on a UN convoy in Gaza on Monday, confirming that an Israeli tank targeted a clearly marked UN vehicle, resulting in the death of a security officer from India and injuring another from Jordan.
According to UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, the UN is certain that shots from an Israeli tank struck the rear of a white UN vehicle en route to the European hospital in Gaza’s Rafah city.
However, the organization seeks further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Haq informed reporters that the UN Department of Safety and Security, which employed the two affected staffers, has initiated a fact-finding panel, and discussions are underway with Israeli authorities.
This incident follows Israel’s recent drone strikes in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of seven charity aid workers, drawing international condemnation. The victims were also targeted while traveling in clearly marked vehicles.
The UN identified the slain staff member as Waibhav Anil Kale, marking the first death of an international UN employee in the current Gaza conflict.
Kale, a retired Indian Army colonel, had served as the security service coordinator for the UN in Gaza for a month.
He transitioned to the UN after leaving the Indian army in 2022 and working briefly at Amazon. Indian media reports state that Kale was 46 years old at the time of his death.
Additionally, the wounded UN staffer, identified as Yara Dababneh, is receiving medical treatment in Jerusalem and will be transferred to Amman for further care at Al-Hussein Medical City, a military medical complex in Jordan.
Haq expressed optimism about her recovery, stating that medical attention is being provided, and the UN believes she will survive.
The tragic attack underscores the risks faced by UN personnel operating in conflict zones and highlights the urgent need for accountability and measures to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.
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