Key facts
- Millions are being pushed into acute hunger due to the prolonged Middle East crisis.
- Fragile economies in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka are severely impacted.
- The conflict drives up food and fuel costs and disrupts global trade networks.
- The WFP has been forced to ration aid due to international funding cuts.
- The agency is urging global donors to increase financial contributions.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning that millions are being pushed into acute hunger as a consequence of the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and Persian Gulf region. The agency's analysis indicates that fragile economies are bearing the brunt of the crisis, with an additional 2.5 million people in Somalia, 2.3 million in Afghanistan, and 1.3 million in Sri Lanka now struggling to meet basic nutritional needs. This exacerbates the pre-existing issue of over 300 million people globally facing critical food shortages. The WFP detailed how the Middle East crisis is generating significant spillovers by driving up food and fuel costs and disrupting global trade. Even if a diplomatic resolution is reached, the economic impacts are expected to intensify in the coming months due to the tight correlation between energy and food prices, particularly affecting the poorest countries where any price rise leads to reduced food intake. Compounding these challenges, the WFP has been forced to ration aid due to drastic international funding cuts, partly stemming from a significant drawdown in US support. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted record outstanding dues, leaving the organization exposed. The WFP is making an urgent plea to global donors for increased financial contributions, emphasizing the massive human consequences of inaction, especially for Somalia and Afghanistan.