37 million people in the Middle East affected by food crises, with Gaza’s hunger ranking at the top

The latest updates on the Israel-Gaza conflict reveal a dire situation in Gaza, where a hunger crisis is affecting the entire population. According to a report by the UN and EU, 37 million people in the Middle East are facing worsening food issues, with Syrian refugees in neighboring countries also struggling to access food due to poverty, instability, and soaring prices.

In Gaza, more than a quarter of the population is at the highest “catastrophe” stage of food insecurity, with experts warning that the north of Gaza could slip into famine at any time, potentially affecting over a million people. The report, described by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as a “roll call of human failures,” highlights the urgent need for action to address the crisis.

Cindy McCain, head of the UN’s World Food Programme, expressed concern that the goal of ending global hunger by 2030 is slipping further out of reach, especially with conflicts exacerbating food insecurity in Gaza and Sudan. The report also warned of rising instability, poverty, and displacement across the region, with Syrian refugees in Jordan and Egypt among the worst affected.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, the risk of famine grows each day, with intense fighting and limited humanitarian access exacerbating the situation. Efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful, and the report emphasizes the need for increased aid and access to prevent further deterioration in food security.