GENEVA, (Reuters) – Lebanon is facing a growing food security crisis as the Iran war disrupts the supply of essential goods, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said on Friday.
A fragile two-day-old ceasefire has halted U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, but it has not eased the parallel conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.“What we’re witnessing is not just a displacement crisis, it is rapidly becoming a food security crisis,” said WFP country director Allison Oman from Beirut. Food is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to rising prices and growing demand among displaced families. Vegetable prices have increased by more than 20%, while bread prices have risen by 17% since March 2.
Lebanon is facing a two-layered crisis. Markets in the south have largely collapsed, with over 80% no longer functioning, while markets in Beirut are under heavy pressure. Traders in southern conflict areas report having less than one week of essential food supplies remaining.
Delivering aid to southern regions has become increasingly difficult due to ongoing bombardment. Although the Qasmiyeh bridge is now operational, access remains limited. So far, ten WFP convoys have reached the south, assisting an estimated 50,000 to 150,000 people.
Oman warned that the situation is worsening, with around 900,000 people across Lebanon already facing food insecurity—a number expected to rise further.
