May 14th 2024.
A tragic incident has occurred in Gaza, as an Indian staff member of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security lost his life while traveling in a vehicle that was attacked in Rafah. This marks the first international casualty for the organization since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The identity of the victim has not yet been revealed, but sources have confirmed that he was from India and a former member of the Indian Army.
The attack also injured another DSS staffer who was traveling with the victim to the European Hospital in Rafah. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep sadness upon learning of the death and injury of the UN personnel. He condemned all attacks on UN staff and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Guterres also sent his condolences to the family of the fallen staff member.
In a statement released by Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, Guterres reiterated his urgent appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages. He stressed the need to protect humanitarian workers, especially in the midst of ongoing conflicts. Guterres also shared on X that more than 190 UN staff have been killed in Gaza.
During a press briefing, Haq answered questions about the incident, stating that they were in the process of informing the relevant governments and family members. He confirmed that the victims were international staff and that this was the first international casualty for the UN in Gaza. While there have been international casualties involving workers for the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, this is the first time that a UN staff member has been killed.
Haq explained that the UN vehicle was on its way to the European Hospital in Rafah as part of their regular work to assess security conditions. When asked for details about how the vehicle was struck, Haq said that they were still gathering information and reports from authorities.
He also shared that close to 190 UN personnel have been killed in Gaza since October 7, mostly being national staff of the UN Relief and Works Agency. The UN is working towards establishing measures for accountability, but this ultimately requires an end to the conflict. The organization will also be working with authorities to get restitution for those who have lost their lives.
Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his devastation on X and called for a ceasefire and efforts towards peace. He stated that too many civilian and humanitarian lives have been lost in this war.
This is not the first time that humanitarian workers have been targeted in Gaza. In April, seven members of the World Central Kitchen were killed in an IDF strike, including Zomi Frankcom, who was of Indian descent. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that since October 7, 2023, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed and 78,000 injured in Gaza. On the other hand, more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have lost their lives, including 33 children, due to attacks by Hamas. It is a tragic reality that innocent lives continue to be lost in this ongoing conflict.
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