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Hunger is increasingly being weaponised in global conflicts, with a staggering 21,403 recorded instances of food-related violence since 2018. This disturbing trend highlights how starvation is not merely a consequence of war but is increasingly being used as a deliberate tactic to undermine communities. New research reveals that markets, farmland, and food distribution networks have all been targeted, exacerbating humanitarian crises across various nations including Gaza, Sudan, and Yemen.
A Grim Analysis of Food-Related Violence
The findings of the latest analysis, conducted by Insecurity Insight, present a troubling picture of how food has become a strategic target in warfare. Since the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous passage of Resolution 2417 in 2018, which condemned the starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, there have been over 20,000 attacks aimed at food systems. Specifically, the study outlines 1,261 assaults on markets essential for daily sustenance and 863 strikes on food distribution networks, which have led to numerous casualties among aid workers.
In addition, the military has been responsible for 1,909 strikes against farmland and 563 attacks on vital water infrastructure. The repercussions of these actions have been felt in over 42 countries, creating widespread food insecurity.
Countries Most Affected
Among the nations suffering the most from food-related violence, the occupied Palestinian Territory tops the list with a staggering 9,013 recorded incidents. Yemen follows with 1,863 attacks, while Sudan has experienced 1,605 strikes against food supplies. Recently, a drone strike on a bustling market in Sudan tragically resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals, showcasing the brutal reality of such targeted violence.
Syria has similarly faced 1,538 attacks, many attributed to military forces, further illustrating the weaponisation of hunger in conflict zones. Mali also reported 1,415 incidents as the ruling junta grapples with maintaining power amid ongoing unrest.
The Human Cost of Food Insecurity
The human toll of this escalating violence is substantial. From October 2023 to the end of 2025, more than 10,300 individuals have been killed or injured while attempting to access food aid. Giulia Contò, conflict and hunger advocacy manager at Action Against Hunger, emphasises that while famines in Gaza and Sudan dominate headlines, many other instances of conflict-induced hunger go unnoticed.
Civilians are often caught in the crossfire, with women facing particularly dire consequences. Christina Wille, director at Insecurity Insight, explains that women often endure the harshest challenges, being forced into roles as breadwinners while simultaneously sacrificing their own nutritional needs for the sake of their families. The long-term effects of food scarcity on children’s development and well-being are profound and far-reaching.
The Need for Action
Despite the clear mandate provided by UN Resolution 2417, the international community has been slow to act on these violations. Wille argues that it is not the resolution that has failed, but rather the lack of political will among member states to enforce its principles.
The ongoing conflicts that fuel hunger are not merely localised issues; they represent a significant global challenge. UN agencies have recently indicated that two-thirds of those facing acute food insecurity are concentrated in just ten nations, underscoring the need for a coordinated international response.
Why it Matters
The weaponisation of hunger is a grave violation of human rights and poses an existential threat to global stability. As food supplies become a battlefield, the implications extend far beyond immediate humanitarian crises; they threaten the very fabric of societies. The international community must galvanise its efforts to uphold the principles set forth in UN Resolution 2417 and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in desperate need. Failure to act risks not only the lives of millions but also the future of entire nations grappling with the devastation of war and famine.
