Source: UN News: Friday, March 20, 2026 00:01 AM
The crisis in the Middle East region has entered its third week. Clashes between Israeli military forces and Hezbollah continue in Lebanon, along with Israeli and American airstrikes on Iran and retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Iran. The violence is causing rising casualties, forcing millions of people to be displaced and leading to a surge in humanitarian aid needs. Due to the movement of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and disruption in the supply chain, the prices of oil, gas and food items are increasing, and oil prices are hovering around $ 100 per barrel. At the same time, flights are being temporarily suspended amid fears of attacks in countries located in the Gulf region, which has affected air traffic. UN humanitarian aid agencies have said that amidst challenges such as displacement, food insecurity and increasing pressure on health systems, efforts are being made to provide emergency relief to the needy population.Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O.) has expressed concern that the impact of the violent conflict in the Persian Gulf is being felt across global food systems. Rising energy prices due to the war are also driving up fertilizer prices, and the price of urea in the European region has increased by 20 percent compared to early March. According to FAO, fertilizer production is highly dependent on natural gas and with supply volatility continuing for a longer period of time, fertilizer prices could remain 15-20 percent higher in the first half of this year. This will increase the cost of agriculture and also food prices around the world. According to the UN agency, if this crisis continues, there may be a decline in remittances sent by people working in the Gulf countries, which will affect millions of families in developing countries who depend on the money sent by migrant workers for their survival. Pressure on the food supply chain, world food program The ongoing crisis in the Middle East region is putting additional pressure on already challenged fragile food systems. The price of food and other goods is increasing due to displacement, rising fuel prices and disruption in trade routes. Due to the risk of exposure to war, insurance premiums and freight rates have increased by 15-20 percent, and the costs of humanitarian aid operations are also increasing. Despite these challenges, the UN Food Program has scaled up its operations to deliver assistance to affected populations in Lebanon, Gaza, Afghanistan and other crisis-hit areas.