Hunger increasingly used as weapon of war as ‘food-related violence’ surges, analysis shows

Hunger weaponised in modern conflicts, as food-related violence escalates, report highlights

Hunger increasingly used as weapon of war - Recent findings indicate that hunger has become a deliberate tool of warfare, with over 20,000 documented instances of “food-related violence” recorded in the last eight years. This surge in attacks, which include strikes on markets and disruptions to food supply chains, underscores the growing trend of using starvation as a means to weaken civilian populations. The research, conducted by Insecurity Insight, reveals that these actions have been systematically targeted in multiple regions, including Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and Haiti, among others.

Global Trends in Food-Related Attacks

The analysis focused on the period following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2417 in 2018, which explicitly denounced the intentional starvation of civilians as a warfare tactic. The report highlights a significant rise in the number of attacks aimed at undermining food security, with the data spanning 15 countries and documenting 21,403 incidents. These include military strikes on farmland and water infrastructure, both critical for sustaining agricultural production and ensuring access to clean water for crops.

Of these incidents, 1,909 involved direct attacks on farmland, while an additional 563 targeted water systems essential for farming. Collectively, these assaults have impacted food security in more than 42 nations, creating a ripple effect that exacerbates malnutrition and displacement. The report further notes that the occupied Palestinian Territory has experienced the highest number of such attacks, with 9,013 documented cases, followed closely by Yemen and Sudan.

Regional Hotspots and Notable Incidents

Among the most striking examples is the recent attack in Sudan, where a drone strike on a bustling market in the town of Ghubaysh, West Kordofan, resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals. Witnesses reported that the market was deliberately targeted by military forces during a crowded period, suggesting a calculated effort to cut off essential resources from civilians. Similarly, in Yemen, 1,863 incidents were recorded, many attributed to government and Russian military actions prior to the fall of the Assad regime. Mali, too, saw 1,415 attacks as the ruling junta grappled with maintaining control in the West African nation.

These incidents reflect a broader pattern of strategic violence against food systems. For instance, in Lebanon, attacks on distribution networks have disrupted access to basic necessities, while in Haiti, targeted strikes have further strained an already fragile supply chain. The cumulative effect of these actions has led to severe food shortages, with the report emphasizing that the weaponisation of hunger is not limited to specific regions but is a global phenomenon.

"Famine in Gaza and Sudan has dominated global headlines over the past two years, but most conflict-induced hunger goes unnoticed. It persists in daily life, with relentless assaults on the systems communities rely on for survival: livestock looted, markets bombed, aid convoys blocked," said Giulia Contò, conflict and hunger advocacy manager at Action Against Hunger.

Targeting Civilians During Food Access

The research also sheds light on the frequent targeting of civilians as they attempt to secure food. Between October 2023 and the end of 2025, more than 10,300 people were killed or injured while accessing humanitarian aid. This highlights the deadly consequences of food-related violence, as individuals are forced to navigate dangerous environments to obtain sustenance. In some cases, entire families are displaced due to the destruction of local food sources, leaving them to rely on external aid.

Christina Wille, director at Insecurity Insight, called for greater international action, stating, “It is not that resolution 2417 has failed, but that member states have failed to implement it, and to demonstrate the political will to prevent those very same actions the international community claims to oppose.” Wille’s remarks underscore the urgency of enforcing the resolution, which was designed to hold parties accountable for deliberate acts of starvation.

Gender Disparities in Conflict-Induced Hunger

The report also draws attention to the disproportionate impact of food weaponisation on women. In conflict zones, women often bear the brunt of these attacks, as they are primary caregivers and responsible for procuring food for their families. The analysis notes that in volatile contexts, women are compelled to make difficult decisions, such as prioritising their children’s meals over their own or taking greater risks to travel longer distances for supplies.

“Women in particular face some of the toughest choices: unreliable access to food might mean venturing into hazardous areas, increasing their exposure to harm. Those who were once sole providers now find themselves shouldering the dual burden of survival and care,” Wille explained. The report highlights that reduced food intake among women has long-term implications for children, who may suffer from stunted growth or cognitive delays if their nutritional needs are not met.

Conflict as the Principal Driver of Hunger

Despite efforts to mitigate food insecurity, conflict remains the primary cause of hunger, affecting over half of the global population facing severe food shortages. The report adds that a growing share of global hunger is becoming entrenched in a small number of conflict-affected countries, with two-thirds of those experiencing acute food insecurity concentrated in just 10 nations. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of humanitarian efforts and the long-term consequences for affected communities.

“The rise in attacks on food systems is not just a temporary crisis but a systemic strategy to sustain conflict. When people are hungry, they are less able to resist, and their vulnerabilities are exploited,” said Contò. The findings suggest that unless these patterns are addressed, the cycle of hunger and instability will continue to fuel further conflict. The report’s release coincides with the anniversary of UN Resolution 2417, serving