Rising Use of Hunger as a Weapon of War: Analysis Reveals Alarming Trends
Hunger increasingly used as weapon of war as ‘food-related violence’ surges, analysis shows
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
A recent analysis highlights the alarming rise in 'food-related violence' as a weapon of war, with over 20,000 documented incidents since 2018. Countries like Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen are particularly affected, with civilians facing dire consequences as food supplies are deliberately targeted, exacerbating hunger crises worldwide.
- 01The analysis documented 21,403 incidents of food-related violence across 15 countries since 2018, following the UN's resolution against starvation.
- 02The occupied Palestinian Territory recorded the highest number of attacks, with 9,013 incidents, followed by Yemen with 1,863 and Sudan with 1,605.
- 03Recent attacks include a drone strike in Sudan that killed 28 people at a market, demonstrating the deliberate targeting of civilians.
- 04Women are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, often forced to make difficult choices regarding food access and family care.
- 05Conflict is the primary driver of severe hunger, with over half of those facing acute food insecurity living in conflict-affected areas.
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A recent analysis by Insecurity Insight reveals a disturbing trend in the use of hunger as a weapon of war, with 21,403 incidents of 'food-related violence' documented across 15 countries since the UN Security Council passed resolution 2417 in 2018. This resolution condemned the targeting of food supplies and the unlawful denial of humanitarian aid. The occupied Palestinian Territory has experienced the highest number of attacks, totaling 9,013, followed by Yemen and Sudan. The analysis highlights the targeting of markets, farmland, and distribution systems, with 1,261 strikes on markets and 863 attacks on food distribution efforts. A recent drone strike in Sudan's Ghubaysh market killed 28 civilians, exemplifying the deliberate targeting of food sources. The report emphasizes that women are particularly affected, facing increased risks and responsibilities as they seek food for their families. With conflict being the leading cause of hunger, UN agencies warn that the crisis is becoming entrenched in a select few nations, with two-thirds of those facing acute food insecurity concentrated in just 10 countries.
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The weaponization of hunger significantly impacts civilians, particularly women and children, who face increased risks and challenges in accessing food.
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