UN Chief Warns of Spreading Hunger Fueled by Conflict in gaza, Sudan
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark warning about the escalating hunger crisis in conflict zones, specifically citing Gaza and Sudan. Speaking via videoconference at the UN Food systems Summit in Ethiopia, Guterres emphasized that “Conflicts continue to spread hunger to gaza, Sudan and beyond. Hunger feeds instability and compromises peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported alarming malnutrition rates in the Gaza Strip, projecting a “peak of death in July.” The organization detailed that of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths identified this year, 63 occurred in July alone, including 24 children under five, one child over five, and 38 adults.
The dire situation in Gaza is exacerbated by an Israeli blockade,which has been in place since the conflict with Hamas began on October 7,2023.While partially relaxed in late May, the blockade has led to severe shortages in the territory.Meanwhile, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since April 2023 between its army and the Rapid Support forces (RSF) paramilitary group. This conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 14 million people, has been described by the UN as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.” The RSF controls much of the Darfur region, while the army holds sway in the north, center, and east of the country.
