In brief
A deadly drone strike on el-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, Sudan, reportedly resulted in 64 deaths, including medical personnel and children, during the Eid celebrations. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from health officials, calling for an urgent resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has already claimed hundreds of thousands of lives since its onset. As both military forces and paramilitary groups clash, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with fears for the safety of health facilities and civilians becoming increasingly critical.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a tragic drone strike at el-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, Sudan, that resulted in the deaths of 64 individuals, among them 13 children, two nurses, and a doctor. The strike coincided with the Eid celebrations, drawing attention to the severe escalation of violence and the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In a rapid response, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of WHO, expressed deep concern, stating: Enough blood has been spilled, urging the conflicting parties to cease hostilities. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) allege that the Sudanese army conducted the aerial attack, while the military has denied these claims, calling the accusations unfounded.
Since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, more than 150,000 people have lost their lives due to the conflict, which has displaced nearly a third of the Sudanese population. As the warring factions continue to vie for power, the toll on civilians remains devastating, with hospitals becoming the frequent target of assaults.
The WHO has documented over 2,000 fatalities in attacks on healthcare facilities throughout the conflict duration. Dr. Tedros urged all involved to prioritize the safety of health workers and civilians, emphasizing that healthcare should never be a target during conflicts. He described peace as the best medicine and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further suffering.
In light of the recent attack, the Emergency Lawyers group has demanded an independent investigation into the incident, reflecting the growing calls for accountability amid ongoing human rights abuses reported by local organizations.
As Sudan continues to grapple with one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, celebrations of Eid-al-Fitr this year have been muted, overshadowed by the pervasive violence and deepening despair.
