CAIRO – A tragic airstrike on a hospital in Sudan’s western Darfur region has resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals, including 13 children, according to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO). This devastating incident occurred at the Al Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur on Friday, leaving at least 89 people injured and rendering the facility non-functional.
The conflict in Sudan escalated dramatically in April 2023, when a power struggle between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) spiraled into widespread violence. The RSF has attributed the hospital strike to the military, while military officials have denied responsibility, claiming the attack was aimed at a nearby police station. These officials spoke on the condition of anonymity, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the situation.
The ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in catastrophic loss of life, with United Nations estimates indicating over 40,000 fatalities. However, humanitarian organizations warn that this figure may significantly underrepresent the true toll, suggesting that the actual number of deaths could be much higher.
The WHO has reported that attacks on medical facilities have led to the deaths of more than 2,000 individuals since the onset of the conflict. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, has called for an immediate de-escalation of violence, stating, “Enough blood has been spilled. Enough suffering has been inflicted. The time has come to de-escalate the conflict in Sudan.”
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen as violence disrupts crucial medical services and endangers the lives of countless civilians. As the international community watches, there is a pressing need for comprehensive efforts to restore peace and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing turmoil.
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Associated Press reporter Yassir Abdalla in Shendi, Sudan, contributed to this report.
