Khartoum: As the army attempted to drive the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) away from areas near the presidential palace and army headquarters on Thursday, fierce fighting could be heard in central Khartoum. A long-lasting cease-fire appeared elusive.

Even though there have been more than two weeks of fighting, neither faction's leaders have publicly indicated a strong desire to engage in negotiations. Instead, each side appears to be engaged in a battle for control of the capital's territory. Also audible were heavy bombardments in the nearby cities of Omdurman and Bahri.

In the meantime, the UN put pressure on Sudan's warring factions on Wednesday to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid following the theft of six trucks and the destruction of a purported cease-fire by airstrikes in the capital.

Also Read: Police: The Serbian school shooter had a list of students he wanted to hit

Martin Griffiths, the head of the UN's relief efforts, said he hoped to meet face-to-face with the warring parties in Sudan within two to three days to obtain their assurances that aid convoys could transport relief supplies.

The United Nations has issued a warning that the fighting that broke out between the army and RSF on April 15 runs the risk of resulting in a humanitarian catastrophe that could spread to other nations. On Tuesday, the Sudan reported that the conflict had already claimed the lives of 550 people and injured 4,926 others.

According to the UN, 100,000 people have reportedly fled the Sudan for nearby countries with little food or water.

Also Read: Officials: Eight people are killed by Russian attacks in the Kherson region of Ukraine

Prior to their disagreement over the transition, the army and RSF had joined forces in a coup two years prior and shared power as part of an international-backed transition towards free elections and civilian government.

The RSF charged that since dawn, the army had been attacking forces and violating a cease-fire. It claimed that the army had attacked its residential areas cowardly with artillery and aircraft.

The army "accepted the Saudi-American initiative for truce talks, not mediation to end the fighting" with the RSF, according to the envoy of the Sudanese military chief, who was speaking on Wednesday.

Also Read: Zelensky promises to launch a counteroffensive while denying attacking Moscow

The representative, Dafallah AlHajj, stated at a press conference in Cairo that "Our delegation will not meet with RSF face to face, communication will be through mediators."