WASHINGTON

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "strongly" condemned a deadly drone strike on a hospital in Sudan that killed at least 60 people, his spokesman said Tuesday.

"Since April 2023, the World Health Organization has verified more than 200 attacks harming health facilities in Sudan, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths," Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Guterres has demanded that all parties abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law, which protects medical personnel and facilities and prohibits attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects, Dujarric added.

The statement came after at least 60 people, including children and health workers, were killed in a drone strike on the El-Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur State on March 20.

"The Secretary-General calls on the parties to immediately de-escalate the fighting and agree on a cessation of hostilities," Dujarric said.

The UN chief also renewed his appeal for the parties to engage with international mediation efforts, including those led by his personal envoy for Sudan, to return to negotiations aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire.

The world body stands ready to support "genuine steps" to end the fighting in Sudan and chart a path toward durable peace, Dujarric said.