Guterres: Hunger should never be used as a weapon of war

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed that hunger should never be used as a weapon of war, referring to the conflicts in the Gaza Strip and Sudan.

Guterres emphasized that conflicts are increasing hunger and fueling instability, threatening peace. The statements were made via video conference at the UN Food Systems Summit in Ethiopia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of alarming levels of malnutrition in Gaza, with deaths peaking in July. Of the 74 deaths due to malnutrition, 63 were recorded in July, including 24 children under the age of 5.

Israel has besieged Gaza since October 7, 2023, and had imposed a strict blockade, which was eased in late May.

In Sudan, the civil war since April 2023 has caused the deaths of thousands and the displacement of 14 million people, creating a humanitarian crisis.

Guterres reiterated that hunger should never be used as a weapon of war.