Introduction

Food insecurity remains a challenge across the world today. As of 2024, there were 120 active conflicts in the world. This is the highest amount since World War II. This diplomatic tension, as well as climate disasters and policy changes, has delayed global progress. Notably, progress to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger is stalling. This is the case in Africa, where 733 million people faced hunger in 2024.  Recently, these issues have developed. This includes declared famines in war zones.

Food Insecurity in Conflict Zones: August 2025 Famine in Gaza

Since October 2023, Gaza has suffered a humanitarian crisis. Home to around 2.1 million people, Gaza has one of the most densely populated areas in the world. On August 22, 2025, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared that a region of the Strip was under a phase five famine. This is the highest level on the scale, indicating catastrophic food shortages and extreme risk of death from hunger. Other regions were also flagged as high risk for the coming months. Three key factors are blamed for this food crisis: limited imports, internal migration away from food production, and impaired systems.

Before the conflict, the Gaza Strip produced various staple items such as eggs, milk, and poultry. As of April 2025, 82 percent of the water supply for agriculture and 71 percent of greenhouses were damaged. This delays the recovery of food systems post-conflict. Further, access to Gaza is highly controlled by quotas on aid trucks and restrictions on what is given. In some cases, there have been complete blockages on aid delivery. This even excludes groups like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is tasked with providing support to the Palestinian population for development and essential needs. Finally, internal displacement has led to many residents concentrating in areas away from where much of the remaining food is produced. As of July, 91 percent of greenhouses and 86 percent of agricultural wells were in the evacuated areas. This combination of disrupted agriculture, restricted aid, and population movement has created severe food insecurity, with many families facing malnutrition and extreme hardship.

FAO/World Food Programme Hunger Hotspots Report (Nov. 2025)

In November of 2025, the FAO and the World Food Programme (WFP) released their annual report on global food insecurity. This covers acute insecurity over the next six months. Acute food insecurity is defined as when families cannot meet basic food needs, making them go to extreme measures. The report identified 16 hunger hotspots where existing food insecurity is projected to get worse. These countries include Sudan, Palestine, Haiti, and Somalia. Conflict and violence are the primary factors behind many of these crises. Economic and climate changes also weaken food system capacities. New updates to the annual report include the addition of Afghanistan, Kenya, and Bangladesh. Afghanistan was re-added as a result of drought and a spike in returning refugees. Kenya was added due to low rainfall, conflict, and high food prices. Last, Bangladesh has received an influx of Rohingya refugees, which has led to food shortages.

Armed violence is at risk of worsening the status of these hotspots. Displacement, food systems, and limited aid can also exacerbate conditions. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many less developed countries have struggled to recover economically. Food inflation was above 5 percent in more than half of low-income countries in October 2025, meaning that the cost of basic groceries and staples is rising faster than many families can afford. This is especially severe in Haiti, where food inflation reached 35.1 percent in September 2025, making essential items such as rice, beans, and cooking oil far more expensive. This puts enormous strain on households that already spend a large portion of their income on food. Finally, in certain years of the El Niño climate patterns, some countries face major disruptions. For example, South Sudan has an elevated flood risk, while Somalia and Kenya face lower rainfall.

The report suggests that famines reflect a fault in humanitarian systems. It calls for early intervention and aid in regions like Sudan and South Sudan. The report also calls for intervention when countries are at phase three of the IPC to prevent famine and loss. Finally, the report stresses that in addition to food assistance, livelihoods need to be supported, and essential services must be maintained. The role of international actors within the FAO will be critical. They are called to aid the hunger hotspots, supporting capacity in their food systems.

Conclusion

In 2026, the FAO faces a critical turning point in the fight against global hunger. Complex factors, including persistent conflicts, extreme weather, and economic instability, have made simple, short-term aid insufficient. Today’s food systems are fragile and interconnected; when one part of the chain breaks, the effects ripple globally. Many countries are currently struggling with a severe loss of purchasing power and a decline in agricultural productivity. Geopolitical barriers and active conflict zones further complicate the crisis, often cutting off the very people who need help most. As delegates, you must focus your efforts on rebuilding productive capacity rather than relying on temporary relief.

Bibliography

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