The Indian national who was killed while travelling in a vehicle to a hospital in the Khan Younis area from the Rafah region has been identified as former army man Anil Vaibhav Kale. The identity of Kale was revealed by Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary-General, in a statement on Monday night.

Colonel Vaibhav Anil Kale (Retd), killed while going to a hospital in the Rafah region of Gaza, was settled in Pune and had joined as security service coordinator with the UN three weeks ago, his family said on Tuesday. The last rites of the 46-year-old former Indian army officer will be held in Pune in two days after his body is flown via Cairo, his brother-in-law Wing Commander Prasant Karde (Retd) told PTI.

"Col Kale was travelling in a vehicle carrying the flag of the United Nations when it came under fire," said Wing Commander Karde, a senior commander with IndiGo.

"Vaibhav left the army three years ago and had settled in Pune. He hailed from Nagpur and had studied at the Somalwar high school there," he said.

The former infantry officer decided to join the UN to pursue his career and also because he was keen on humanitarian mission work, he added. "While Vaibhav succumbed to his bullet injuries, another officer who was with him in the vehicle, is critical and undergoing treatment," Wing Commander Karde said. Vaibhav's body is being flown from Cairo and will land either in Mumbai or Pune depending on the availability of flights, he said.

On Monday, Colonel Kale was going from Gaza to inspect the European Hospital in Rafah. During this time, his car was attacked. However, it is not yet clear whether there was a ground attack or an air attack on his vehicle. His untimely demise leaves behind a legacy of selflessness and dedication to peacekeeping.

There is no clarity on who is behind the attack on the UN team. The 46-year-old Colonel Kale was originally from Pune, Maharashtra, and is survived by his wife and two children. His family is now dealing with the tragic loss of a devoted husband and father.

"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. The situation in Gaza remains dire, affecting many innocent lives and those dedicated to helping them.

The UN official said that Kale joined the UN as a security service coordinator a month ago in Gaza. He had taken on the new role with dedication and commitment. The UN officials mentioned that he was travelling in a vehicle marked as that of the United Nations.

The officials at the UN are not sure who fired at the vehicle in which Kale was travelling with another UN aid worker. They are investigating the incident to understand what happened and who might be responsible. This tragic event marks the first time an Indian has died in the ongoing war in Gaza, highlighting the dangers faced by those working in conflict zones.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) stated that they are probing the circumstances surrounding the firing and the death of the UN aid worker. According to the IDF, the attack occurred in an active combat zone, which is a highly dangerous area with ongoing military operations. At the time of his death, Kale was 46 years old, a fact that adds to the sorrow felt by his family and colleagues.

Kale was serving as a staff member of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS). Before joining the UN, he had a distinguished career in the Indian Army. His transition from military service to a role focused on global safety and security reflects his commitment to protecting others, even in the most challenging and hazardous environments.

He participated in UN peacekeeping mission in Congo

While in the Indian Army, Colonel Kale had participated in a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo during 2009-10 on deputation, Wing Commander Karde explained. "In fact, that stint was a motivation for undertaking the latest UN stint which proved fatal," he added. This earlier mission had profoundly impacted Kale, influencing his decision to return to UN service years later.

During his service with the Indian Army, Colonel Kale commanded the 11 JAK Rifles stationed in Kashmir and later served as an instructor at the army's Infantry School in Mhow. His leadership roles in challenging locations showcased his commitment and adaptability in various military capacities.

"Vaibhav, who joined the army in 1998, had in his more than two decades long career in the military, served in the north-east and also in the Siachen glacier. He was a former deputy commander of Rashtriya Rifles in Kashmir and was a part of counter intelligence and counter terrorism operations," Wing Commander Karde detailed. This extensive service record highlights Kale's diverse experiences and his significant contributions to national security.

Colonel Kale is survived by his wife, Amruta, and two teenage children, son Vedant and daughter Radhika, who are now mourning the loss of a devoted family man and a respected soldier.

Additionally, Kale's military legacy is reflected in his family, with his brother Group Captain Vishal Kale serving as a senior officer in the Indian Air Force, and his cousin Colonel Amey Kale also holding a position in the army. This family history of dedicated service underlines a deep-rooted commitment to serving the nation across multiple generations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep sorrow upon learning about the tragic incident involving United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff members. He stated he "was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah" on Monday morning.

UNDSS Under-Secretary-General Gilles Michod commended Colonel Kale for his commitment to fostering positive change in some of the most dangerous parts of the world, including the Gaza Strip. Michod noted Kale's significant influence on his peers, stating he "always influenced his colleagues."

In the wake of the attack, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres provided additional details. He reported that a UN vehicle was targeted in Gaza, leading to severe consequences: "one of our comrades has lost his life and another is injured." Guterres highlighted the broader impact of such incidents, revealing that "So far 190 UN staff members have lost their lives in Gaza." He emphasized the necessity of protecting humanitarian aid workers and condemned the attacks on UN personnel. Guterres strongly called for an "immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds" and appealed for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which he referred to as a terrorist organization.

Gilles Michod, UNDSS Under-Secretary-General, hailed Colonel Kale’s commitment to making a difference in the world’s most dangerous places, underscoring his lasting impact on those he served alongside.

As the conflict persists, with over 30,000 reported casualties, Israel’s Defense Forces continue their operations in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with Israel adamant about continuing the war until civilians held hostage by Hamas are freed.

Gilles Michod, the UNDSS Under-Secretary-General, praised Colonel Kale for his profound dedication to effecting positive change in some of the world's most perilous environments. Michod emphasized that Colonel Kale's efforts had a significant and enduring impact on his colleagues and on the missions he was part of.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties, with the toll exceeding 30,000. Amidst this, the Israel Defense Forces maintain their military actions within Gaza. The Israeli government remains resolute in its stance to persist in the conflict until all civilians currently held by Hamas are released, indicating a protracted period of hostilities unless a resolution is found.