WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau warns continued Middle East conflict could push 45 million additional people into acute hunger by June. Shipping costs have surged 18% as war disrupts supply chains and fuel prices, forcing food ration cuts in famine-stricken Sudan and reduced support for only one in four malnourished children in Afghanistan.
Global fertilizer markets face crisis with a quarter of world supply via the Strait of Hormuz now at a standstill, threatening sub-Saharan Africa's planting season.
In Lebanon, the conflict has displaced over one million people-nearly 20% of the population-as Gulf aid air bridges cease. Over 132,000 are in shelters, but 70% remain outside, with UN officials warning Israeli displacement orders may constitute prohibited forced displacement.