Israel kills 15-year-old boy and couple in Gaza, hospitals say

Drone strikes across Sudan have killed more than 100 people, according to multiple reports. The attacks have occurred in various regions, including Khartoum, Abyei, and several states in Darfur and Kordofan. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the situation, condemning the attacks and highlighting the risks posed to civilians, including children. The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the organization is deeply concerned about the ongoing drone strikes, which are causing civilian casualties and disrupting essential services. He emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and personnel, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been ongoing since April 2023, and the use of armed drones has increased significantly in recent months. On Monday alone, drone strikes injured at least 19 people in a busy market in Abyei and targeted several locations in the capital, Khartoum, including an area near the airport. One civilian was reportedly killed, and some flights were cancelled following the attacks. Over the weekend, drone attacks reportedly killed at least 19 people, including 10 children, and injured others across West Darfur, South Darfur, and North Kordofan States. The UN has called for an immediate halt to the drone attacks, warning that the weapons have become the leading cause of civilian casualties this year. According to UN data, more than 1,100 people were killed by drone strikes across Sudan during the first half of this year. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN under-secretary general for political and peacebuilding affairs, urged external actors to stop fuelling the violence and drone usage. She called on the warring parties to return to the negotiating table. Aid workers have also been targeted in the conflict. Since the conflict began, 25 Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers have reportedly been killed while on duty. The UN spokesperson expressed deep sadness over the killing of a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer last week who was providing first aid at a health centre in Um Darfa in Blue Nile State following a drone attack on the facilities. Despite these challenges, the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to deliver crucial assistance wherever possible. In Central Darfur state, UN partners recently rehabilitated a water facility in Zalingei, restoring access to safe water for some 2,500 people. More than 2,000 families have received water, sanitation, and hygiene support. However, the UN spokesperson noted that the humanitarian response plan is only just over 43 per cent funded, emphasizing the need for additional funding to sustain lifesaving operations. Recent drone attacks have resulted in significant casualties. A drone strike near a market in Al-Dibab town in the southwestern state of West Kordofan killed 80 people. Another 47 wounded individuals were taken to the nearby town of Al-Mujlad, where 30 later died from their injuries. The RSF’s self-declared administration, known as Tasis, and Emergency Lawyers accused the army of carrying out the attack. In eastern Sudan, a military source reported that air defenses intercepted several RSF drones targeting the Atbara and Setit dams in Gadaref state. On Monday, another drone attack hit the RSF stronghold of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, resulting in 17 deaths, including seven RSF officers, and 23 injuries. An RSF drone attack on Friday hit a gathering of displaced people in Sudan’s Blue Nile province on the border with Ethiopia, killing 41 people. The United Nations has condemned the deadly attacks, expressing concern over the increasing use of drones in the conflict. The UN spokesperson reiterated the need for the warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The situation remains dire, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.