The United Nations has strongly condemned a drone strike on El-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur State, Sudan, which killed at least 60 people, including children and health workers, on March 20, 2026.
According to António Guterres, since April 2023, the World Health Organization has verified more than 200 attacks on health facilities in Sudan, resulting in over 2,000 deaths.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Guterres called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, which governs conduct during armed conflict.
“The Secretary-General demands that all parties abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, which specifically protects medical personnel and facilities and prohibits attacks against civilians and civilian objects,” the statement read.
He also urged all sides to immediately de-escalate the violence and agree to a cessation of hostilities. Guterres called on the parties to work with mediators, including his Personal Envoy for Sudan, to return to negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process.
The United Nations reiterated its readiness to support efforts aimed at restoring peace in the country.
“The United Nations stands ready to support genuine steps to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path toward durable peace,” Guterres said.
The strike directly hit the hospital’s emergency, pediatric, and maternity departments, rendering the facility; one of the last functioning referral hospitals serving more than two million people, completely non-operational.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which controls the area, blamed the Sudanese Armed Forces for the attack. However, the army has denied responsibility.
The incident comes amid a sharp escalation in the use of drone warfare in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, raising further concerns about the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure.
