West Asia Conflict Pushes 320 Million People Worldwide Toward Hunger, WFP Warns

Kathmandu – The ongoing conflict in West Asia has put nearly 320 million people worldwide at risk of hunger, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). The WFP has expressed serious concern that the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran could push global hunger to unprecedented levels.According to the WFP, the combined effects of extreme conflict and localized famine have left around 320 million people in acute food insecurity worldwide. The conflict in the Middle East has now entered its third week, causing significant increases in food and fuel prices.At a press conference in Geneva, WFP Deputy Executive Director Karl Skau warned that if the war continues and oil prices exceed $100 per barrel, an additional 45 million people could fall into hunger. He emphasized that the most severe impact will be on already vulnerable populations, who cannot bear rising living costs.The conflict escalated after the United States and Israel launched military actions against Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and Gulf countries, and with the involvement of Iran-backed Hezbollah, Lebanon has also been drawn into the conflict. Currently, the WFP is providing thousands of people in Lebanon with hot meals and bread. The organization has appealed for an additional $77 million to continue relief operations over the next three months.Skau noted that the global food crisis was already serious even before the war. Acute food insecurity has tripled in the past five years, and a 40% reduction in international aid last year further challenged relief efforts. Rising fuel costs, increased transportation expenses, and disrupted supply chains have made humanitarian operations more expensive, with transport costs up by 18%.The crisis also threatens agricultural production in countries far from the conflict zone. Disruptions to chemical fertilizer exports through the Hormuz Strait could affect planting seasons in African countries such as Somalia and Kenya. Somalia is already in a worsening situation, facing famine signals due to two consecutive droughts. WFP has been unable to assist 700,000 people there due to insufficient budget.In Sudan, food assistance for famine-affected citizens has been cut, while in Afghanistan only one out of four children suffering from severe malnutrition is receiving aid. Skau warned that deaths are occurring in Afghanistan due to lack of assistance and urged the international community to provide more humanitarian support.