Severe disruptions in supply chains and shipping routes impact availability and prices of basic goods, increasing deprivation and vulnerability.

The escalation in the Middle East continues to have a devastating toll on civilians and livelihoods with global ripple effects.

Nearly a month into this devastating war, the impact is far reaching, across borders of conflict-affected countries, shaking the world economy amid exponential price hikes in oil, fuel and gas.

Disruptions to and closures of airspace, transportation, shipping routes and key humanitarian crossings across the Middle East are impacting humanitarian operations and commercial supply chains, including availability and prices of basic goods and pharmaceuticals.

The Strait of Hormuz carries around one quarter of global seaborne oil trade, along with large volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilizers. Attacks on commercial vessels, stranded ships and seafarers threaten the delivery of basic supplies, risk higher food prices, and further strain fragile health systems. In Gaza, access restrictions are limiting the entry of life-saving supplies and hindering humanitarian operations.

Developing countries in Asia and the African continent are likely to bear the heaviest brunt. Disruptions in the Hormuz Strait compromise the delivery of energy supplies. Fertilizer markets are impacted, threatening food security in countries where famine or food insecurity are highest including Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. During the course of the year, the number of people living in hunger around the world is likely to increase by tens of millions. A widening war in the Gulf could also threaten remittance flows, primarily to South Asia.

Our world is the most violent it has been since the Second World War. The number of people uprooted and forced to flee their homes is increasing by the hour. One million people are now displaced in Lebanon, and another 3.2 million people in Iran. People around the region continue to search for safety. In most countries, no place is safe as schools, medical facilities and people’s homes are coming under constant attack.

Vulnerable people in the Middle East and beyond have suffered enough. Following decades of turmoil, repeated wars, economic stagnation, sanctions and socio-economic crises, people in the region deserve and need peace, stability and sustainable development.

There is no military solution. The only way to end this mayhem and people’s suffering is through a diplomatic and peaceful solution and the implementation of all UN Security Council resolutions.

Notes to editors:

• For further details please see UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s report “Strait of Hormuz disruptions: Implications for global trade and development” here

• According to the World Food Programme, roughly 45 million more people could be pushed into acute hunger this year if conflict persists.

• Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Shalom crossing has reopened for limited fuel and humanitarian supplies, and UNOPS has continued to provide fuel.

For more information and to request interviews, please contact:

• Juliette Touma, UNOPS Global Director of Communications, +45 53 52 01 27, juliettet@unops.org