Hunger is increasingly being used as a weapon of war across global conflict zones, with more than 20,000 documented incidents of “food-related violence” recorded over the past eight years, according to a new international analysis.

The report, compiled by Insecurity Insight, examined attacks on food systems following the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2417 in 2018, which condemned the deliberate starvation of civilians during armed conflict.

Thousands of attacks targeted food systems

Researchers documented 21,403 incidents across 15 countries where food supplies, markets, farmland and aid systems were deliberately attacked.

The analysis recorded:

  • 1,261 attacks on civilian markets
  • 863 incidents targeting food distribution systems
  • 1,909 military strikes on farmland
  • 563 attacks on water infrastructure vital for agriculture

The report said these attacks severely affected food security in more than 42 countries and territories.

Gaza, Sudan and Yemen among worst affected

The occupied Palestinian territories recorded the highest number of incidents with more than 9,000 attacks, followed by Yemen and Sudan.

One of the latest reported incidents occurred in Sudan, where a drone strike on a crowded market reportedly killed at least 28 people.

The study also highlighted repeated attacks in Syria and Mali, where food infrastructure has frequently been damaged during ongoing conflicts.

Civilians face growing risks while seeking food

According to the findings, more than 10,300 people were reportedly killed or injured between October 2023 and the end of 2025 while trying to access humanitarian aid or food supplies.

The report warned that women and children are among the worst affected, often facing dangerous journeys, reduced food intake and long-term health consequences.

Humanitarian experts called for stronger implementation of international laws protecting civilians and food systems during conflicts, stressing that hunger should never be used as a tactic of war#WorldHunger #ConflictZones #HumanitarianCrisis #FoodSecurity #GlobalConflict #newskarnataka