New York, 17 May 2024, (GNP): The United Nations has provided additional information regarding the fatal assault on a UN convoy in Gaza on Monday. According to the report, an Israeli tank targeted a clearly identified UN vehicle, resulting in the death of a security officer from India and injuring another from Jordan.
The United Nations is unequivocal in its assertion that gunfire from an Israeli tank struck the rear of a white UN vehicle headed to the European hospital in Rafah, Gaza’s southern city.
However, they seek further clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident, as stated by UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq on Tuesday.
Haq informed reporters that the UN Department of Safety and Security, responsible for the two employees, has established a fact-finding panel, and discussions are underway with Israeli authorities.
Israel faced global condemnation last month after drone strikes targeting clearly marked vehicles resulted in the deaths of seven charity aid workers in Gaza.
Haq also identified the deceased UN staff member as Waibhav Anil Kale, marking the first casualty among international UN employees in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Waibhav Anil Kale’s LinkedIn profile reveals a distinguished career, having served in the Indian army as a deputy sector commander until July 2022, followed by a role as a program manager at Amazon until June 2023.
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In April, he transitioned to the United Nations as a security coordination officer. Reports from Indian media indicate that Kale, aged 46, was a retired army colonel, highlighting his extensive experience and dedication to service.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has named the injured UN staff member as Yara Dababneh and announced plans to airlift her from Jerusalem, where she was being transferred, to Amman.
She will receive treatment at Al-Hussein Medical City, a military medical facility, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to providing medical care to its citizens and personnel injured in conflict zones.
“She’s receiving medical attention,” Haq said. “We believe that she will make it through.”
