In brief
On the night of Eid, a drone strike on el-Daein Teaching Hospital in Sudan led to the death of 64 people, including 13 children. The World Health Organization condemned the attack as part of the ongoing civil conflict that has resulted in over 150,000 fatalities and millions of displaced persons. The Sudanese army denied responsibility, and humanitarian leaders are calling for the protection of medical facilities.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan witnessed a horrific escalation over the weekend as a drone attack on el-Daein Teaching Hospital resulted in 64 fatalities, including 13 children, and injured 89 others. The attack occurred during Eid celebrations, a time typically marked by joy and community gatherings.
Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, criticized the assault, stating, Enough blood has been spilled. He urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities that have engulfed Sudan since April 2023.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim that an army drone was responsible for the attack, while the Sudanese army has denied these allegations, asserting its commitment to upholding international laws and norms.
The WHO noted that this incident has rendered el-Daein Teaching Hospital non-functional, stripping away essential medical services for thousands in the region. With over 150,000 people having died and nearly one-third of Sudan's population displaced since the conflict ignited, this incident exemplifies the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the country.
Calls for accountability are growing, with local advocacy groups demanding an independent investigation into the airstrike. The RSF reported that the attack caused significant destruction, including the complete destruction of the hospital's top floor and vital medical facilities.
Highlighting the frequent targeting of healthcare institutions during the conflict, WHO has documented 213 attacks on health care, resulting in 2,036 fatalities, prompting urgent calls for the protection of civilians and health workers. The tumultuous situation continues to deteriorate, with the conflict becoming one of the deadliest in Africa.
As muted Eid celebrations unfolded across the country, the prospects for peace seem increasingly dim, casting a shadow over the future of Sudan's people.
