CAIRO
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned on Sunday a drone attack on a Saudi hospital in El Fasher city in western Sudan a day earlier.
More than 70 people were killed in a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur state, according to Governor Arcua Minnawi.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry called the attack “a violation of international and humanitarian law” and reaffirmed the kingdom’s “firm rejection of such breaches.”
It underlined the importance “of providing protection for health and humanitarian workers” and called for “restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.”
The ministry also reminded all parties of their commitment to the protection of civilians in Sudan as outlined in the Jeddah Declaration signed in April 2023.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also condemned the hospital attack.
“This targeting represents a blatant and grave violation of international laws, treaties and UN resolutions, which mandate the protection of civilians and civilian facilities, including healthcare establishments,” he said in a statement.
Albudaiwi called for “full protection for medical personnel and healthcare facilities in Sudan, enabling them to carry out their humanitarian duties to the fullest extent, especially in light of the harsh circumstances faced by the brotherly Sudanese people.”
He stressed the importance “of respecting international humanitarian laws and the necessity of holding accountable those responsible for these violations that threaten the lives of innocents and obstruct humanitarian efforts.”
El Fasher, a key hub for humanitarian operations across Darfur’s five states, has been a flashpoint since May 10, despite international warnings against further escalation.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced 14 million people, according to the UN and local authorities. A study by US-based universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000.
International organizations have warned about a worsening humanitarian catastrophe, with millions facing famine and death due to food shortages amid fighting that has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states.
