A deadly strike on a Sudan hospital killed 64 people, as WHO warns attacks on healthcare are worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
A deadly strike on a major hospital in Sudan’s East Darfur state has killed at least 64 people, underscoring the devastating impact of the country’s ongoing war on civilians and critical infrastructure.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the attack targeted Al Deain Teaching Hospital in the state capital, killing at least 13 children, two nurses, and one doctor, while injuring dozens more. The hospital has since been rendered non-functional, cutting off vital medical services for thousands of people in the region.
In a statement shared online, the WHO chief condemned the attack and called for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict. In the post, he said: “Enough blood has been spilled. Enough suffering has been inflicted. The time has come to de-escalate the conflict in Sudan and ensure the protection of civilians, health workers, and humanitarians.”
Read the full statement here: WHO chief statement on X
The latest strike brings the total number of fatalities linked to attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan to more than 2,000 since the war began in April 2023. The WHO has verified at least 213 such attacks, with more than 720 people injured.
Hospital rendered inoperable
The attack caused extensive damage to the hospital’s pediatric, maternity, and emergency departments, leaving the facility unable to function. Health officials warn that the loss of the hospital will have immediate and long-term consequences for communities already struggling to access essential medical care.
WHO officials said they are working with local partners to scale up services at nearby facilities, including expanding primary healthcare, increasing trauma care capacity, and deploying emergency medical supplies.
However, humanitarian agencies warn that such measures are only temporary solutions in a country facing one of the world’s most severe crises, as detailed in reporting on the worsening Sudan war healthcare crisis.
Conflicting claims over responsibility
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which control the area, accused the Sudanese army of carrying out the हमला using a drone. The attack reportedly took place during Eid celebrations, a time when civilians typically gather in large numbers.
The Sudanese military denied responsibility, stating that it adheres to international humanitarian law and does not target civilian infrastructure.
The incident has renewed calls for independent investigations into alleged violations by both sides, as rights groups warn of continued impunity throughout the conflict.
War with no end in sight
Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict since April 2023, following a power struggle between the military and the RSF after their alliance collapsed. The war has killed more than 150,000 people and displaced around 12 million, creating what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those highlighted in recent coverage of Sudan’s political transition calls, there has been little progress toward a lasting ceasefire.
Analysts say the conflict is increasingly shaped by broader regional dynamics, including tensions explored in analysis of the evolving Iran–US conflict and Gulf alliances, which continue to influence Sudan’s strategic environment.
At the same time, internal political tensions—such as those outlined in a recent Sudan intelligence leak on Islamist rhetoric and Gulf relations—are further complicating efforts to reach a resolution.
Healthcare under attack
The targeting of healthcare facilities has become a defining feature of Sudan’s war, with devastating consequences for civilians.
Medical infrastructure across the country has been repeatedly damaged or destroyed, leaving millions without access to essential services. Aid organizations warn that continued attacks on hospitals risk triggering a complete collapse of Sudan’s already fragile health system.
As the conflict enters its third year, international organizations are urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
“Health care should never be a target,” the WHO chief said. “Peace is the best medicine.”
