An Indian official working with the United Nations (UN) was killed in Gaza when the vehicle in which he was travelling came under attack in Rafah. The individual was a staff member of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security. Another DSS staffer was injured in the incident. While the victim was unidentified, new agencies have quotes sources and said that he was from India and a former Indian Army personnel.
The Indian personnel killed in Rafah is the first casualty among the international UN staff in Gaza since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict, following the October 7, 2023 attacks. The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was deeply saddened to learn about the death of the Indian official and news of his fellow staffer’s injuries
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and his administration have declared that the Israeli offensive in Gaza against the Palestinian entity Hamas doesn’t come under the umbrella of genocide. The same view was shared by the US National Securiry Advisor Jake Sullivan. He said that the United States wants to see Hamas defeated. He also said the Palestinians caught in the middle of the war were in hell like condition.
Israeli forces pushed deep into the ruins of Gaza’s northern edge on May 13, 2024, to recapture an area from Hamas terrorists, while in the south, the tanks and troops pushed across a highway to Rafah, leaving Palestinians scrambling to find safety. Some of the most intense fighting for weeks is raging in both north and south. Israeli operations in Rafah, which borders Egypt, have closed a main crossing point for aid. This has worsened the already dire situation.
The Biden administration does not see it likely or possible that Israel will achieve a total victory in defeating Hamas in Gaza. US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said on May 13, 2024. While US officials have urged Israel to help devise a clear plan for the government post war Gaza, Campbell’s comments are clearest to date from a tip US official effectively that admitting that Israel’s current strategy won’t bring the result which they are aiming for.
Israel began toned down Independence Day celebrations at sundown on May 13, 2024. As the country marked its 76th year of independence, fireworks displays were cancelled and traditional torch lighting ceremony at the Jerusalem National Cemetery was taped for TV Audiences instead of livestreaming.
Israel soldiers engaged in a marching display, in the formation of 76 pattern in the honour of the country’s 76th year, a menorah, Star of David an Israeli flag and a ribbon patterned after a symbol in support of hostages. The Israel-Hamas War has entered the seventh month of airstrikes, ground fighting and aid restrictions by Israel that have claimed the lives of nearly 35,000 Palestinians mostly women and children.
