As the world grapples with the spectre of famine, a disturbing trend has emerged: the deliberate targeting of food supplies has become a tactic of war. A new analysis reveals that since 2018, over 20,000 incidents of “food-related violence” have been recorded globally, with the occupied Palestinian Territory, Yemen, and Sudan bearing the brunt of these assaults. This grim reality is a sobering reminder of how warfare has evolved, using hunger as a weapon to inflict suffering on civilian populations.
A Surge in Food-Related Violence
The data compiled by Insecurity Insight highlights a chilling escalation in attacks on food systems. From 2018 to the present, there have been 21,403 documented incidents across 15 nations, including strikes on markets, farmland, and food distribution networks. The report coincides with the anniversary of UN resolution 2417, which condemned the starvation of civilians as a war tactic.
Among the reports, a shocking 9,013 incidents were recorded in the occupied Palestinian Territory alone, underscoring the severity of the situation in Gaza, where military strikes have become a commonplace threat to civilians seeking sustenance. Yemen follows closely with 1,863 attacks, while Sudan has seen food-targeting incidents soar to 1,605. In a recent attack, a drone strike on a bustling market in Sudan left 28 dead, highlighting the brutal reality faced by those simply trying to survive.
Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
The findings reveal a grim picture where civilians are often the primary victims of these assaults. Between October 2023 and the end of 2025, over 10,300 individuals have been killed or injured while trying to access food aid. Giulia Contò, advocacy manager at Action Against Hunger, emphasised that while the famines in Gaza and Sudan dominate headlines, the everyday violence against food systems goes largely unnoticed.
“Famine in Gaza and Sudan has captured global headlines over the past two years, but most conflict-induced hunger never does. It unfolds daily, with relentless attacks on the systems communities depend on to survive,” she stated. Livestock are looted, markets are bombed, and humanitarian aid is obstructed, creating a vicious cycle of despair.
The Disproportionate Impact on Women and Children
The report also highlights the unique challenges faced by women in conflict zones. Christina Wille, director at Insecurity Insight, pointed out that women often bear the brunt of food insecurity, forced to make harrowing choices about their own nutrition in order to provide for their families. “Without enough food, children are unable to play, learn, or grow, and the consequences on their development will last a lifetime,” Wille warned.
Women, traditionally caregivers, are increasingly thrust into the role of breadwinners, navigating dangerous environments to secure food. The implications of this shift in responsibility are profound, as their safety often hangs in the balance.
The International Community’s Responsibility
Despite the UN Security Council’s unanimous condemnation of starvation tactics, the implementation of resolution 2417 has been lacklustre. Wille urged member states to take action, lamenting that “it is not that resolution 2417 has failed, but that member states have failed to implement it.” The political will to confront these violations is sorely lacking, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to the devastating effects of hunger as a weapon of war.
Conflict continues to be the primary driver of hunger, accounting for more than half of those facing severe food insecurity globally. The UN has warned that a troubling concentration of hunger is becoming entrenched in a small cohort of conflict-ridden countries. Two-thirds of people experiencing acute food insecurity now reside in just ten nations, signalling a dire need for intervention.
Why it Matters
The weaponisation of hunger is not merely an abstract concept; it represents a chilling reality for millions around the globe. As conflict persists and food systems are systematically dismantled, the international community must confront the moral imperative to protect vulnerable populations. The failure to act on these violations not only exacerbates suffering but also undermines the very principles of humanity and justice that should guide our global society. The battle against hunger is not just a fight for food; it is a fight for survival—a battle that we cannot afford to ignore.
