Hunger is increasingly being weaponized in global conflicts, with over 20,000 documented incidents of food-related violence occurring in the past eight years, according to a new analysis. This alarming trend highlights the deliberate targeting of food supplies and distribution systems in various regions, exacerbating humanitarian crises.

Increase in Food-Related Violence
The analysis, conducted by Insecurity Insight, reveals that since the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2417 in 2018, which condemned the starvation of civilians as a weapon of war, there has been a marked increase in attacks on food resources. The report indicates 21,403 incidents across 15 countries, including 1,261 strikes on markets and 863 attacks on food distribution workers. States most affected include the occupied Palestinian Territory, Yemen, and Sudan.

Targeting of Civilians and Infrastructure
The data shows that military strikes have also targeted farmland and water infrastructure, which are essential for food production. Specifically, there have been 1,909 military strikes on agricultural land and 563 attacks on water supplies, impacting food security in over 42 countries. In Sudan, a recent drone strike on a crowded market in Ghubaysh resulted in 28 civilian deaths, illustrating the lethal consequences of these tactics.

Global Response and Responsibility
Giulia Contò, advocacy manager at Action Against Hunger, emphasized that while famine situations in places like Gaza and Sudan receive international attention, many other instances of conflict-induced hunger go unnoticed. She pointed out that civilians are frequently attacked while trying to access food, with over 10,300 individuals killed or injured between October 2023 and the end of 2025. Christina Wille, director at Insecurity Insight, called on the international community to uphold the UN resolution and take action against these violations, highlighting the urgency for member states to demonstrate political will.

Wrap-up
The rising use of hunger as a weapon in warfare poses a severe threat to global food security and civilian safety. As attacks on food supplies continue to escalate, it is imperative for the international community to implement measures to protect vulnerable populations and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team