WHO calls for ceasefire after deadly attacks on civilians in Sudan kill 114, including 63 children
WHO confirms drone strikes in Sudan’s South Kordofan killed 114 people, including 63 children, hitting a kindergarten and hospital. The agency urges a ceasefire and greater humanitarian access.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that drone strikes in Kagoli, in Sudan’s Kordofan state, last week killed at least 114 people, including 63 children.
In a statement on X on Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus confirmed that the attacks, carried out on Thursday, targeted a kindergarten, a hospital, and later a crowd rushing in to help injured children.
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"Repeated strikes in #Sudan's South Kordofan state hit a kindergarten and, at least three times, the nearby Kalogi Rural Hospital, killing 114 people, including 63 children, and injuring 35 people, according to @WHO's Attacks on Health Care monitoring system," said the WHO chief.
"Disturbingly, paramedics and responders came under attack as they tried to move the injured from the kindergarten to the hospital."
Survivors receiving treatment
He added that survivors are currently receiving treatment at Abu Jebaiha Hospital in South Kordofan, and urged for blood donations and other medical support.
Tedros also stressed the urgent need to protect civilians and health facilities, highlighting the wider consequences of targeting schools and medical teams.
"WHO deplores these senseless attacks on civilians and health facilities, and calls again for an end to the violence and increased access to humanitarian aid, including health. The Sudanese have suffered far too much. Ceasefire now!"
RSF blamed for attacks
Human rights and medical organisations have blamed Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attacks, describing them as "a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, especially children, and vital civilian infrastructure."
The attacks occur amid a long-running conflict between the RSF and Sudan’s national military, now entering its third year.
According to the WHO, more than 40,000 people have been killed and 12 million displaced, though aid groups warn the actual toll is likely even higher.
The fighting has now moved to Sudan’s oil-rich Kordofan region, following the RSF’s capture of El-Fasher, previously the last military stronghold in Darfur.
The takeover was accompanied by widespread violence, including reports of executions, sexual assaults, and other attacks on civilians.
According to the UN Migration Agency, more than 100,000 people have fled the area since the RSF assumed control.
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