War in the Middle East worsens world hunger, UN warns

Area hit by bombs, killing 25 people in Iran
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The closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war in the Middle East has increased hunger in the world, the UN warned this Friday (5), which also fears a crisis similar to the one in 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Around the world, 320 million people were already suffering from acute food insecurity when, in March, the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations predicted that the situation could worsen.
Almost 45 million more people could find themselves in this situation if the war, which began at the end of February after a joint attack by the United States and Israel against Iran, did not end before June and if the price of a barrel of oil exceeded US$ 100, he estimated. PMA, to AFP.
"The closure (of the Strait) of Hormuz translates into an increase in hunger", he added, highlighting the increase in prices of basic products such as rice and wheat.
The PMA also fears "contagion effects" due to fuel and food prices, loss of income and disruptions in trade.
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"What is shaping up is the return of a global cost of living crisis similar to the one we know in 2022", warned Bauer.
However, in 2022 "humanitarian programs were better financed" and there were workers in places where they no longer exist, he added.
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Bauer told journalists, this Friday, in Geneva, which the WFP is preparing for a "supply disruption" next month, which means there will be no food available for distribution.
"Those who will suffer the consequences of this situation will be very vulnerable children under the age of five," he warned, highlighting that there is already a risk of famine in a region of Somalia.
The organization estimates that it will help 1.5 million fewer people than initially planned in 2026 and warns that if the war in the Middle East continues for six months, more of nine million people could be left without assistance.

Source: G1