Preliminary estimates indicate that around $200 million will be needed to support humanitarian operations over the next three months.
“The food security situation in the Middle East was already difficult even before this crisis, and recent events have made it worse,” Abdeljaber said.
Tackle complex challenges
The region faces a complex combination of economic fragility, conflict and supply disruptions that are affecting food availability and affordability. Global supply chains have come under additional pressure due to geopolitical tensions and risks affecting key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, both crucial corridors for energy, fertilizer and commercial shipping.
According to Abdeljaber, disruptions on these routes can affect global markets.
“Any disruption to this vital corridor leads to reduced supplies, decreased agricultural production and increased global food prices,” he said, noting that higher oil prices are already driving up transportation and fuel costs around the world.
Gaza flour prices rise 270 percent
The impact is already being felt in several areas affected by the crisis.
In the Gaza Strip, WFP is trying to deliver food assistance to around 1.6 million people each month. However, the closure of crossings after the escalation of the crisis on February 28 caused a sharp increase in local food prices.
“The price of flour in the local market in Gaza increased by 270 percent,” Abdeljaber said. “When crossings are closed, even for a few days, we are forced to reduce the food rations we provide to people.”
After a truce in October, WFP was able to provide 100 percent of the full food ration to those in need.
But current conditions may force the agency to reduce that assistance dramatically.
“We are now forced to consider reducing that ration to only about 25 percent of individual needs,” he explained.
Elsewhere in the region, large-scale displacement is increasing pressure on humanitarian operations.
A UNICEF warehouse worker in Denmark prepares relief supplies for shipment to Lebanon.
Lebanon and Syria
In Lebanon, more than 815,000 people have been internally displaced, many of whom have moved from the southern areas or southern suburbs of Beirut to other regions or temporary shelters. Approximately 580 shelters have been established across the country, and WFP currently supports 215 of them.
Within these shelters, around 52,000 people receive daily food assistance, while 180,000 people receive cash support to help meet their basic needs.
The regional crisis has also triggered cross-border movements. Around 84,000 Syrian refugees have returned to Syria from Lebanon, while approximately 9,000 Lebanese citizens have crossed into Syria seeking safety and assistance.
“These people, of course, need support inside Syria,” Abdeljaber said.
More funding needed
Despite growing needs, humanitarian agencies face severe funding shortages, forcing them to make difficult decisions.
During the month of Ramadan, WFP announced that it had to suspend assistance to some 135,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan due to lack of funding. In Egypt, the agency was also forced to suspend support for 250,000 Sudanese refugees.
“That is why we need more financing to meet the needs that already existed before the crisis and that have multiplied since it began,” Abdeljaber said.
In Iran, the program is currently helping about 33,000 Afghan refugees living in camps. However, WFP has noted that some Afghans living in host communities are now moving into these camps, putting additional pressure on humanitarian services.
Vulnerable communities pay the price
Beyond direct assistance, rising global prices are also eroding the purchasing power of vulnerable communities.
“In any country where fuel prices increase, the price of bread immediately increases and transportation costs also increase,” Abdeljaber said. “Even when we give people cash assistance, the money goes to markets where prices have already increased, reducing their purchasing power.”
With humanitarian needs rapidly growing, WFP calls on governments, donors and the private sector to step up their support.
“We believe it is important to remain optimistic and work proactively,” Abdeljaber said. “We are working with Member States, donors and the private sector in the hope that we can secure the necessary funding to help people in this difficult situation.”
Despite the challenges, WFP staff across the region continue their work under difficult conditions.
“In every country and location where we operate… our teams remain committed to doing everything possible to help those affected by this crisis,” Abdeljaber concluded.