BERLIN — The Group of Seven and the European Union called for an end to attacks in El-Obeid, Sudan, as international concern over the country's prolonged war and its impact on civilians continued to grow. In a joint statement, G7 foreign ministers and the European Union's foreign policy chief urged the Rapid Support Forces and allied armed groups to stop actions that could lead to further atrocities or endanger civilians in the city. They also called on all parties to the conflict, including the Sudanese army, to cease hostilities, allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected communities and engage in meaningful negotiations. Sudan's war has created one of the world's most serious humanitarian crises. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced millions of people and severely damaged infrastructure, food systems and public services. Communities have faced shortages of food, medicine and clean water, while humanitarian organisations have struggled to reach people trapped in conflict zones. El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, has strategic importance because of its location and its links between different parts of Sudan. Fighting around the city has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and the possibility of further displacement. The G7 and EU urged the United Nations Security Council to consider expanding the existing arms embargo on Darfur to cover all of Sudan. The call reflects international concern that the continued flow of weapons and financial support is helping sustain the conflict. The statement also urged external actors to stop providing military and financial assistance to the warring parties. Sudan's conflict has attracted involvement from regional and international actors, making the search for a political settlement more complicated. External support can provide the resources required for combatants to continue fighting even when civilians face severe humanitarian consequences. The G7 and EU also backed United Nations efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue. International diplomacy has repeatedly sought to establish ceasefires and create conditions for negotiations, but previous agreements have frequently broken down. The continued fighting demonstrates the difficulty of reaching a lasting political settlement when the opposing forces remain committed to military objectives. Humanitarian access is one of the most urgent concerns. Aid organisations require safe routes to deliver food, medicine and other supplies to civilians affected by the war. Restrictions, insecurity and attacks on humanitarian personnel can prevent assistance from reaching communities at the time it is most needed. The international community has repeatedly called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The conflict has also created severe food insecurity. Displacement disrupts agriculture and trade, while damaged infrastructure makes it harder to move food between regions. Families forced to flee their homes may lose access to farms, livestock and other sources of income. Children are particularly vulnerable because prolonged displacement can interrupt education and increase exposure to disease and malnutrition. Health services have also been badly affected. Hospitals and clinics in conflict areas may lack medicines, electricity and medical staff. Disease outbreaks can become more difficult to control when communities are displaced and sanitation systems are damaged. International aid organisations have warned that continued fighting could deepen these problems. The G7 and EU said they supported accountability for violations and the protection of Sudan's unity and democratic aspirations. Accountability is a significant issue because allegations of atrocities and abuses have emerged throughout the conflict. Establishing responsibility for crimes can be difficult during an active war, but international officials have argued that perpetrators should not be allowed to act with impunity. Sudan's political future also remains uncertain. The conflict began in April 2023 after tensions between the army and the RSF escalated into open warfare. Efforts to establish a civilian-led political transition were derailed, and millions of Sudanese have since been displaced. A sustainable solution will ultimately require political negotiations as well as security arrangements. For civilians in El-Obeid and other conflict-affected areas, however, the immediate priority remains survival. Ending attacks, opening humanitarian corridors and restoring access to basic services are essential steps toward reducing suffering. The G7 and EU statement placed additional international pressure on the warring parties and their external supporters. Whether that pressure produces concrete changes will depend on the willingness of combatants and foreign actors to cooperate. The continuing crisis in Sudan remains one of Africa's most urgent humanitarian and security challenges, making international efforts to stop the fighting increasingly important.