UN: Lebanon faces food crisis

(Patria) - Lebanon is facing a food crisis as the war in Iran disrupts food supplies within the country, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced today.

A fragile two-day ceasefire has halted American and Israeli attacks on Iran, which have been ongoing since February 28, but has not calmed the conflicts in Lebanon, where Israel is attacking the militant movement Hezbollah, which cooperates with Iran, Reuters reports.

"What we are witnessing is not just a displacement crisis, but it is rapidly becoming a food security crisis," said WFP Director Alison Oman.

Oman warned that food is becoming less available in Lebanon due to rising prices and demand among displaced families.

Vegetable prices have increased by more than 20 percent, and bread prices by 17 percent since March 2, the WFP reported.

"What we are seeing now is a very worrying combination: prices are rising, incomes are disrupted, and demand is increasing as the displacement of many families continues," Oman said.

Many traders in areas affected by the conflict in southern Lebanon claim to have less than a week's supply of basic necessities, she added.

The possibility of delivering food aid to hard-to-reach areas in the south, which have been facing heavy bombing from Israeli airstrikes since March 2, is becoming increasingly difficult.

Ten WFP convoys have arrived in southern Lebanon to provide assistance to affected residents, estimated to number between 50,000 and 150,000.

"This escalation is pushing vulnerable communities even closer to the edge," Oman said, adding that due to the latest escalation, around 900,000 people across Lebanon are facing food insecurity, which could worsen.