An Indian member of the United Nations staff lost his life in Gaza after the vehicle he was traveling in was attacked in Rafah, marking the first international casualty for the organization since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7.
The man served as a staff member of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS). While the victim's identity remains undisclosed, sources confirmed to PTI that he hailed from India and had previously served in the Indian Army, reports The Times of India.
Another DSS employee sustained injuries in the same incident when their UN vehicle was targeted as they headed to the European Hospital in Rafah.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound shock upon learning of the death of a staff member from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) and the injury to another DSS colleague.
A statement released by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, conveyed Guterres's condemnation of all attacks on UN personnel and his call for a thorough investigation. Guterres extended his condolences to the family of the deceased staff member.
"With the ongoing conflict in Gaza inflicting heavy casualties not only on civilians but also on humanitarian workers, the Secretary-General reiterates his urgent plea for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the release of all hostages," the statement emphasized.
In a social media post, Guterres mentioned that the UN vehicle was struck in Gaza, resulting in the "loss of one of our colleagues and injury to another."
He noted that over 190 UN staff members have lost their lives in Gaza.
Addressing inquiries about the incident during a press briefing, Haq stated, "We are currently informing the relevant governments and family members, so I cannot disclose any names or nationalities."
He confirmed that the individuals affected were "international staff" and clarified that "this marks the first international casualty" among UN personnel.
While previous casualties have involved workers from the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, Haq indicated that "as far as UN staff is concerned, I am not aware of any international casualties before."
Haq further elaborated that the vehicle was en route to the hospital "as part of their regular duties to assess security conditions at different locations, and this happened at the European Hospital in Rafah."
Regarding specifics on how the vehicle was targeted, Haq mentioned, "This occurred quite recently. We are still gathering information and expect reports, including from relevant authorities."
He added that nearly 190 UN personnel have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, with "most of them being national staff of the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA."
