The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning: Lebanon is descending into a deepening food security crisis. The ongoing conflict, while seeing a fragile ceasefire on one front, continues to destabilize the nation and disrupt essential supply chains, leading to soaring prices.
Even with a temporary truce halting direct strikes in Iran, the persistent clashes involving Hezbollah within Lebanon are further exacerbating the country’s instability. The WFP highlights that essential foodstuffs are becoming increasingly out of reach for many. Since early March, the cost of vegetables has surged by over 20%, with bread prices climbing 17%. Compounding this crisis, household incomes are being severely impacted, while simultaneously, demand is skyrocketing as families are displaced from their homes.
The situation is particularly dire in southern Lebanon, where over 80% of markets are no longer operational. Local vendors in these affected areas report having less than a week’s supply of critical food items remaining.
Delivering aid is also proving immensely challenging. Damaged infrastructure and ongoing insecurity hinder access, though limited convoys have managed to reach some of the most severely impacted regions.
The WFP estimates that approximately 900,000 individuals across Lebanon are currently experiencing food insecurity. This number is projected to rise as the crisis intensifies.