UN Chief Condemns Use of Hunger in War

UN Chief Condemns Use of Hunger in War

 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on world leaders to reject the use of hunger as a tactic during armed conflict.

Speaking virtually at a UN event in Ethiopia, Guterres said communities affected by war are facing rising food insecurity. He pointed to ongoing crises in places like Gaza and Sudan, where conflict has disrupted access to essential supplies.

“Let us be clear hunger must never be used as a weapon,” he said firmly.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation has worsened after nearly two years of continuous violence. From March through May, aid delivery was blocked entirely. Although the blockade has since been eased, relief organizations say the food entering the region remains insufficient.

To ease the growing crisis, Israeli forces recently announced a temporary pause in fighting. The aim was to support aid workers. But the World Health Organization reported on Sunday that malnutrition remains dangerously high.

Israel has denied any claim of using hunger to pressure civilians. Officials argue that aid has reached Gaza’s borders and blame humanitarian groups for failing to distribute it effectively.

ALSO READ: Millipedes Could Hold the Key to Future Pain Relief, New Research Finds

Meanwhile, Sudan is battling a crisis of its own. Clashes between military factions have left cities in ruins and driven millions from their homes since April 2023. The violence has created what the UN calls one of the world’s worst and most overlooked disasters.

Othman Belbeisi, a regional leader with the UN migration agency, said the crisis in Sudan is massive but receives little international attention. Over seven million people have been displaced, and the need for food, water, and shelter is urgent.

Guterres urged nations to act quickly, warning that hunger not only threatens lives but also fuels further instability. He stressed that protecting civilians must always come first, even in war.

 

 

 

CONTENT CREDIT: BLESSING DADA

IMAGE CREDIT: GOOGLE.COM