The letter from Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were responsible for the death of Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale in Gaza last week.
Family members and security personnel pay their last respects to the remains of Colonel (Retd) Waibhav Anil Kale, a former Indian army officer who worked with the UN in Gaza before being killed there, during his last rites, in Pune on May 17, 2024.
In the said letters dated May 16; Mr. Mustafa called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza to save lives and end what he termed as “a war of genocide”.
“The Israeli Army made a tragic blunder by killing an Indian national who was working in the UN. This unfortunate incident took place when Mr. Kale’s vehicle, which was marked as belonging to the UN, was attacked by some Israeli soldiers at Rafah.” Mr. Mustafa wrote.
Colonel (retd) Kale served with DSS, part of United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS). He died on may 13 after his car marked with UN designation came under fire in Gaza.
“Furthermore I will be ready to work closely with your Government and other stakeholders within India and internationally towards finding peaceful means and negotiations that could bring about lasting peace.” He added: “This is yet another call upon you Excellency to urgently intervene on this matter so that lives may be saved while stopping what amounts to genocide or maybe even crimes against humanity targeted by Occupying Israel towards Palestinians living in Gaza Strip.”
Also thanking India for its “historical support” towards the “just cause of the Palestinian people,” Palestine Prime Minister said this in a letter addressed to Mr. Jaishankar.
“In our continuing struggle for justice and peace across our land your commitment to justice and respect for Palestinians has been a shining light.” He said.
