U.N. Condemns South Sudan Hospital Bombing as Possible War Crime

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has strongly condemned a recent bombing that targeted a Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) hospital and pharmacy in Old Fangak, describing it as a deliberate attack that may constitute a war crime.

The assault, which occurred over the weekend, involved drone and aerial strikes that killed at least seven people and left 20 others injured. The pharmacy was destroyed, and the hospital, the only medical facility serving more than 110,000 residents sustained severe damage.

UN Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka denounced the strike as a serious breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, warning that targeting medical facilities is a grave offense under international law.

Médecins Sans Frontières also issued a strong statement condemning the attack. The organization stressed that the hospital was a lifeline for the local population, including thousands displaced by ongoing conflict and flooding.

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which comes amid renewed fighting between South Sudanese government forces and militias linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. Tensions have escalated since Machar was placed under house arrest earlier this year, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of civil war.

The international community is calling for a full investigation into the attack and for all parties to respect the neutrality and protection of medical services in conflict zones.