On December 24, local time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement expressing deep concern over the deteriorating food security situation in Sudan. He called on all parties involved in the armed conflict in Sudan to ensure and promote rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access, so that humanitarian aid can smoothly reach those in need in Sudan. Guterres also emphasized that the parties to the armed conflict in Sudan must immediately stop hostilities, protect civilian safety, and prevent the Sudan crisis and its impact on neighboring countries from further escalating by 2025. He further urged the international community to take urgent action to expand humanitarian assistance to Sudan and to encourage all parties in Sudan to resolve the conflict through peaceful means.