NEW DELHI: Ministry of external affairs on Wednesday released a statement expressing condolences over the death of retired Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale who lost his life in Gaza. Kale served as the security coordination officer the UN’s department of safety and security.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones,” the statement read.
The ministry also said that its missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are working actively engaged in arranging for the repatriation of Colonel Kale’s remains to India.”Our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York and our Missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are extending all assistance in the repatriation of mortal remains to India,” the statement said adding, “and continue to be in touch with relevant authorities regarding the investigation into the incident.”
Kale (46), survived by his wife and two teenage children who live in Pune, had joined UN barely a month ago and was headed for European Hospital in Rafah when his vehicle came under fire in Khan Younis.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones,” the statement read.
The ministry also said that its missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are working actively engaged in arranging for the repatriation of Colonel Kale’s remains to India.”Our Permanent Mission to the UN in New York and our Missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are extending all assistance in the repatriation of mortal remains to India,” the statement said adding, “and continue to be in touch with relevant authorities regarding the investigation into the incident.”
Kale (46), survived by his wife and two teenage children who live in Pune, had joined UN barely a month ago and was headed for European Hospital in Rafah when his vehicle came under fire in Khan Younis.
India’s permanent mission of India to UN also released a statement on May 14 saying, “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.”
Kale, who also commanded the 11 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in Kashmir, is the ‘first international casualty’ for the UN since the Israel-Hamas conflict started last year.
(With inputs from agencies)