The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has reported that ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran has exacerbated global hunger, with 363 million people at risk of acute hunger worldwide. The WFP attributes this increase to various factors, including a significant reduction in funding, which has decreased by nearly 40% year-on-year, particularly due to cuts from the US, the largest donor. Carl Skau, the acting executive director of the WFP, stated that the organization is forced to prioritize aid for those facing catastrophic famine, resulting in a situation where they are 'taking from the hungry to feed the starving.'
The report highlights that 45 million people are facing hunger due to the conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices, which have surged due to the war. The WFP noted that the price of Brent crude oil has remained above $100 for significant periods, impacting food prices and transport costs. The conflict has also disrupted aid routes, particularly in Afghanistan, where border tensions have blocked food aid deliveries.
Skau emphasized that the ongoing war has severe implications for food security, particularly in regions reliant on Middle Eastern fertilizer, warning of potential declines in agricultural productivity in East Africa. He also pointed out the increasing dangers faced by humanitarian workers, with over 1,000 fatalities reported in the past three years.
