More than 1.24 million people in Lebanon are expected to face acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse between April and August 2025, according to a United Nations-backed report. This marks a significant deterioration from the pre-war estimate of 874,000, representing roughly 17% of the population.

The joint statement by the FAO, WFP, and Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture attributed the sharp rise to “conflict, displacement and economic pressures” following the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict has killed over 2,500 people and displaced more than one million in Lebanon, according to local authorities.

“Families who were just managing to cope are now being pushed back into crisis as conflict, displacement and rising costs collide, making food increasingly unaffordable,” said Allison Oman Lawi, WFP’s country director in Lebanon. FAO representative Nora Ourabah Haddad stressed the “urgent need for emergency agricultural assistance to support farmers and prevent further deterioration.”

A ceasefire that took effect on April 17 has reduced fighting intensity, but Israeli forces remain active in southern Lebanon, and residents have been warned not to return. The report warns that “acute food insecurity is likely to deepen without sustained and timely humanitarian and livelihood support.”

Source: www.aljazeera.com