Indian missions assisting in repatriation of mortal remains of killed retired Col in Gaza: MEA

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said that Indian missions in the UN and in Israel are assisting in bringing back the mortal remains of Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale (Retd), who was killed in Gaza while working as a UN staffer.

"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 and continue to be in touch with relevant authorities regarding the investigation into the incident," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.

We are deeply saddened by the death of Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale (Retd), Security Coordination Officer in the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) in Gaza on 13 May 2024.

Also Read | Char Dham Yatra 2024: Doors of Badrinath Temple open for devotees amid chants and melodious tunes

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones," the statement also said.

Meanwhile, a deathly silence has descended on the Thane residence of Waibhav Anil Kale after his family members received word of the killing of the former Indian Army officer, who worked for the United Nations in Gaza.

Kale (46) died while travelling in a vehicle to a hospital in the Khan Younis area from Rafah.

Also Read | Lok Sabha elections: Heavy security checks in Mumbai ahead of fifth phase of voting

"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 the release of all hostages," the statement added.

Kale was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and had taken retirement two years ago to join the UN.

• #Waibhav Anil Kale
• #retired
• #Indian Army Colonel
• #others
• #The Ministry of External Affairs
• #Gaza
• #UN staffer
• #MEA
• #Indian missions
• #people