UN Food Agency Warns Millions Pushed Into Hunger By Prolonged Middle East Crisis

Key facts

• Millions are being pushed into acute hunger due to the prolonged Middle East conflict.
• Fragile economies in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka are severely impacted by the crisis.
• The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is forced to ration aid due to funding cuts.
• Iranians face war fatigue and economic hardship, including triple-digit food inflation.
• Strikes on industries and infrastructure in Iran lead to business closures and job losses.
• ASEAN leaders are meeting to address a global energy shock exacerbated by the Iran conflict.
• Farmers in the Philippines face doubled diesel costs and reduced profits.
• Norway's deputy foreign minister condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran as illegal.
• Norway's deputy foreign minister emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the ICC's role.

The ongoing Middle East crisis is driving millions into acute hunger, with fragile economies in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka facing severe impacts. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that the conflict is increasing food and fuel costs and disrupting trade, forcing the WFP to ration aid due to funding cuts. The WFP is appealing to global donors for increased contributions to address the escalating humanitarian needs.

In Iran, citizens are experiencing "war fatigue" and confusion amidst deepening domestic crises. The country grapples with significant economic hardship, characterized by triple-digit food inflation and a devalued currency. These economic woes are compounded by strikes targeting industries and infrastructure, leading to business closures and job losses.

Simultaneously, leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting to confront a global energy shock exacerbated by the Iran conflict. All 11 ASEAN member states are affected, with farmers in the Philippines already reporting doubled diesel costs and reduced profits. This situation underscores the urgent requirement for regional energy solutions.

Norway's deputy foreign minister, Andreas Kravik, stated that international law must be defended, even when allies are in violation. He specifically condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran as illegal, emphasizing the critical importance of multilateralism and the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in upholding global legal standards amidst ongoing conflicts.