Sudan army resemble 'terrorist' Palestinian attacks on Israel, RSF advisor tells Israeli media in bizarre claim

The Sudanese army's attacks on paramilitaries resemble those of "terrorist" Palestinian attacks on Israel, an official from Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) told Israeli media on Monday.

"What we are exposed to, Israel has suffered thousands of times from terrorist groups, such as Hamas and other factions that Israeli citizens know well," Youssef Ezzat, an advisor to RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo told Israel’s Kan broadcaster.

His comments appeared to be an attempt by the RSF to gain Israeli favour. The powerful paramilitary group has been involved in fierce clashes with the Sudanese army since 15 April and at least 427 people have been killed.

Ezzat called for Burhan to be prosecuted, accusing him of conspiring with an unnamed "Islamist movement" in order to "strike civilians".

"This is a criminal person, and the decision to stop the war is not in the hands of Burhan, but in the hands of the Islamist organization," he said, without specifying which Islamist group he was referring to.

"We say to the Israeli people that what we are being exposed to, and what Khartoum and the Rapid Support Forces are being subjected to, is an attack that was exploited by the army and the Islamic gang," Daglo's advisor added.

Ezzat welcomed a reported mediation by Israel in the Sudanese conflict. He said that the two countries were bound by the so-called "Abraham Accords" refusing to confirm or deny the reports that Israel had made direct contacts with Hemedti.

A simmering rivalry between the army and the Rapid Support Forces over the balance of power in Sudan has erupted in deadly fighting, with the country's future at stake. @AbdolgaderAli explains everything you need to know https://t.co/rOoKPDNnv4

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) April 20, 2023

Sudan agreed to normalise relations with Israel in 2020 following heavy pressure from the administration of former US President Donald Trump. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco all normalised relations with Israel that year under the controversial 'Abraham Accords'.

However, unlike those countries, Sudan has not exchanged ambassadors with Israel and the Sudanese population remains largely opposed to normalising relations.

"Youssef Ezzat is trying, by agreeing to conduct the interview with the Israeli channel, to recruit Israeli public opinion in favour of Hemedti," said Roi Kais, the Arab affairs commentator who interviewed Ezzat.

Israeli diplomats have been communicating with both Burhan and Hemedti as part of mediation efforts, according to an Israeli official, with the aim of de-escalating the situation and creating conditions for the establishment of a civilian government.

The fighting between the rival military leaders in Sudan’s capital Khartoum and other parts of the impoverished nation has seen airstrikes, tanks on the streets, and fierce gun battles. At least 427 people have died with thousands more being injured and fleeing the capital. 

Countries have evacuated thousands of their citizens, but many are still stuck in Khartoum, with fears mounting that a catastrophic humanitarian disaster could ensue from the fighting.