Hunger is increasingly being used as a weapon in conflicts worldwide. In the past eight years, there’s been a startling rise in “food-related violence,” with over 20,000 documented incidents.
This includes more than 1,200 attacks on markets where families buy their groceries. Food distribution systems have also come under fire, resulting in 863 recorded incidents where aid workers were killed. The situation is dire, especially in areas like Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Haiti, where food supplies are routinely targeted.
According to data from Insecurity Insight, since the UN’s 2018 resolution against the deliberate starvation of civilians, 21,403 incidents have occurred in 15 countries. This includes about 1,900 military strikes on farmland and 563 attacks on crucial water infrastructure. These acts have impacted food security in over 42 regions.
The countries with the most incidents are the occupied Palestinian Territory, with 9,013 attacks, followed by Yemen and Sudan. A recent attack in Sudan tragically killed 28 people in a crowded market. Witnesses described it as a deliberate targeting during peak civilian hours.
Other countries like Syria and Mali have also faced severe challenges. Syria recorded 1,538 incidents, often linked to military forces, while Mali saw 1,415 attacks as its ruling junta struggled for control.
Giulia Contò from Action Against Hunger noted that while famine in places like Gaza and Sudan grabs headlines, many conflicts cause hunger daily. “Communities rely on stable food systems, and they are under attack,” she said.
The research shows that civilians trying to access food often become victims. From October 2023 to late 2025, over 10,300 people were reported killed or injured while seeking aid. Christina Wille from Insecurity Insight emphasized that the international community needs to enforce the UN’s resolution, urging member states to take action against these violations.
Wille highlighted that women bear the brunt of this crisis. They face tough choices about food access, often risking their safety to find it. Women are increasingly forced to become breadwinners while making personal sacrifices. Without proper nutrition, children’s development suffers, affecting their futures.
Conflict remains the leading cause of hunger, accounting for more than half of those facing severe hunger. Recent UN reports revealed that two-thirds of the world’s food insecurity is concentrated in just ten conflict-ridden nations.
With the growing trend of weaponizing hunger, it’s clear we need to address these challenges urgently.
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