Middle East Conflict Threatens Global Aid Supply Chains, UN Warns of Crisis Worse Than COVID Era

New York, March 22 ( TNA) The escalating conflict in the Middle East could severely disrupt global humanitarian operations, potentially surpassing the challenges witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has cautioned. The warning comes amid growing concerns over strained supply chains and limited access to vulnerable populations in conflict-hit regions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has once again called for an immediate halt to hostilities, stressing the urgent need for peace. In a statement released by the UN Spokesperson’s Office in New York, he emphasised that ongoing violence must end without delay. Guterres also urged all parties to comply with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including those demanding a cessation of attacks and efforts to stabilise the region.

Meanwhile, WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau warned that the intensifying conflict is placing unprecedented pressure on global aid systems. He highlighted that supply chains, already vulnerable due to previous global crises, are now at risk of a breakdown that could mirror or even exceed the disruptions caused by the pandemic and the Ukraine war in 2022.

Humanitarian agencies fear that if the situation worsens, millions of people dependent on food and emergency aid could face severe shortages, further deepening the global humanitarian crisis.