UN and Gulf Condemnations of the Rebel Bombing of the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon – Agencies
The United Nations has described the bombing of the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilian patients, as a “horrific violation and an affront to humanity.” It emphasized that the perpetrators must be held accountable.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, stated, “The attack, reportedly carried out by the RSF on the only functioning hospital in El Fasher, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”
She added, “I was horrified by the attack on the Saudi Teaching Maternity Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan, on January 24, which claimed the lives of at least 70 critically ill patients and their relatives and injured dozens more.”
In a press statement issued Sunday, Salami expressed condolences to the affected families and expressed solidarity with the humanitarian community in Sudan. She described the rebel attack on the hospital as a disturbing disregard for human life.
The statement quoted Salami as saying, “This disturbing disregard for human life is unacceptable. Hospitals and medical facilities must never be targeted. These institutions are sanctuaries of life, healing, and hope. Destroying them is an affront to our shared humanity.”
Salami warned that the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately. “Those responsible must be held accountable. Civilians are not combatants and must always be protected,” she stated.
She called for strict adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws, emphasizing the obligation to protect civilians, including children, women, and men trapped in the conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s Condemnation
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s condemnation and denunciation of the attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The ministry described the incident as a violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
The statement affirmed Saudi Arabia’s rejection of such violations and stressed the need to ensure the protection of healthcare and humanitarian workers. It also highlighted the importance of restraint, avoiding civilian harm, and adhering to commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration, including the protection of civilians in Sudan.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat, a Saudi newspaper, the Kingdom extended sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Gulf Cooperation Council’s Response
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), also condemned the attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher. He described it as a flagrant and serious violation of international laws, treaties, and UN resolutions, which mandate the protection of civilians and civilian facilities, including healthcare institutions.
Albudaiwi called for full protection of medical teams and healthcare facilities in Sudan, enabling them to perform their humanitarian duties effectively, especially given the dire circumstances faced by the Sudanese people.
He emphasized the importance of respecting international laws and holding those responsible for these violations accountable, as such actions threaten innocent lives and hinder humanitarian efforts.
Qatar’s Denunciation
The State of Qatar also strongly condemned and denounced the attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher. In a statement issued Sunday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the bombing as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which seeks to ensure the safety of patients, medical staff, and healthcare facilities during times of war.
The ministry called for urgent international action to protect civilian structures and expressed Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Sudan. It wished the injured a speedy recovery.
A Unified Call for Accountability
The international and regional condemnations underscore the critical need to protect civilians and healthcare facilities amidst Sudan’s ongoing conflict. These voices collectively call for accountability for those responsible and urgent action to prevent further violations of international humanitarian norms.