‘Blood in the sand’: The siege of El-Fasher heightens Sudan conflict

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan - The civil war in Sudan has caused immense humanitarian suffering, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) capturing Alaser in North Darfur after an 18-month siege, leaving behind a trail of violence [1] - The World Health Organization reported the killing of 460 patients at a local maternity hospital by paramilitary forces [2] - The UN's top relief official highlights the dire situation in Alasir, accusing the international community of inaction [3] - The International Rescue Committee identifies Sudan as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with approximately 304 million (304,000,000) people in need [4] Political and International Involvement - The two-year civil war is fueled by regional powers backing opposing sides, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia supporting the Sudanese army, and the United Arab Emirates backing the RSF [3][4] - The international system is largely sidelined, focusing mainly on humanitarian aid, which is significantly underfunded (70% underfunded) [11][15] - Regional powers are engaged in a resource grab, exacerbating the conflict [12] Call to Action - The International Rescue Committee urges people to get informed about the crisis, contact their Congress representatives, and provide financial support [14][15] - Only 5,000 people have escaped El Fasher, indicating that people are being penned in [7]