Skip to main content

Israeli doctors fly to Sudan to save diplomat who strove to normalize ties

A private aircraft carrying Israeli doctors and medical equipment reportedly arrived to Khartoum on May 26 in a bid to save the life of a local diplomat that was instrumental in advancing ties between the two countries.
najwa.png

On May 26, Israel sent an airplane to Sudan with officials, a medical team and equipment in an attempt to save the life of a local diplomat infected with the novel coronavirus. Unfortunately, 24 hours after the arrival of the plane, Sudanese Najwa Gadaheldam died. Officially, the two countries have no diplomatic relations and are even considered enemies, though several contacts at the highest levels have been registered over the past few months.

Information about the unusual flight was first revealed on flight tracking sites, which signaled the arrival of a private Hawker 800 mid-size plane to Khartoum’s international airport. No information was noted on its origin or the identity of its passengers. In the following hours, rumors spread on social networks about the mysterious aircraft. Sources in Sudan said that the Hawker came from Turkey carrying medical equipment, a credible explanation on the backdrop of the recent evacuation by Ankara of coronavirus-infected nationals.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.