World

Indian UN Member Killed In Gaza, The First Case Of International Staff Causality

News On Time Desk 14 May 2024

An Indian personnel working with the United Nations was killed in Gaza when the vehicle he was travelling in came under attack in Rafah, making it the “first international” casualty for the organisation since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, following the October 7 Hamas terror attacks.

The victim was a staff member of the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS). Although the victim’s identity has not yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that he was a former Indian Army personnel. Another DSS staffer was injured in the incident when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences in a post on X, stating that a UN vehicle was struck in Gaza, resulting in the death of one colleague and injury to another. He mentioned that over 190 UN staff members have been killed in Gaza and emphasized the need for the protection of humanitarian workers. Guterres condemned all attacks on UN personnel and reiterated his urgent appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

A statement issued by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said, “With the conflict in Gaza continuing to take a heavy toll – not only on civilians but also on humanitarian workers, the statement added.

In April, seven members of the World Central Kitchen were killed in an IDF strike in Gaza. One of them was Zomi Frankcom, who was of Indian origin. However, Haq confirmed there have been international casualties involving workers but of UN staff, this is the first international casualty.