Deadly Strike on Sudan’s El Fasher Mosque Draws Condemnations

IQNA – A horrific drone strike on a mosque in El Fasher city in Sudan, which resulted in the deaths of more than 70 civilians, has drawn condemnations.

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly denounced the strike which took place on Friday, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Sudan.

In a statement issued by its general secretariat, the MWL censured this treacherous assault as a blatant violation of international laws and norms, reiterating the necessity of upholding moral values, international laws, and the principles outlined in the “Jeddah Declaration” regarding the protection of civilians and civilian facilities.

The MWL also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Sudanese people, pledging to utilize all its resources to alleviate their suffering.

Qatar also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered the bombing of the mosque a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and stressed Doha’s absolute rejection of targeting places of worship and terrorizing civilians.

Saudi Arabia denounced the strike as well, stressing that it was a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Kingdom rejects such attacks on civilians and calls for an immediate end to the war in Sudan.

It urged all parties to spare the country and its people further suffering and destruction.

The statement also emphasized the need to protect civilians and to uphold the commitments outlined in the Jeddah Declaration, signed on May 11, 2023, which calls for safeguarding civilians in Sudan.

Meanwhile, the United Nations’ secretary-general on Saturday voiced grave alarm at the rapidly deteriorating situation in El Fasher, warning of mounting risks to civilians trapped in the besieged city.

El Fasher has been under a tightening siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days, with attacks against civilians intensifying in recent weeks. The majority of residents in the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp have reportedly fled following relentless shelling and raids.

“The fighting must stop now,” António Guterres said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

He reiterated his call for “an immediate cessation of hostilities in El Fasher, as well as for the respect and protection of civilians and for the facilitation of safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.”

The UN chief also stressed that safe passage must be assured for civilians wishing to leave voluntarily.

Source: Agencies