Since the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 2417 in 2018 to condemn the deliberate starvation of civilians, hunger has increasingly been used as a weapon in conflict zones. Data from Insecurity Insight reveals 21. 403 incidents of food-related violence across 15 countries — Attacks on farmland and water infrastructure have further compounded food insecurity in over 42 countries and territories.

Surge in Food-Targeted Attacks

The occupied Palestinian Territory has recorded the highest number of attacks, with 9,013 incidents; Yemen follows with 1,863, and Sudan with 1,605. One of the most recent attacks in Sudan occurred on Tuesday when a drone struck a crowded market in the town of Ghubaysh, killing 28 people. Witnesses suggested the attack was deliberate, given the civilian presence.

Syria and Mali also experienced repeated attacks on food supplies, with 1,538 and 1,415 incidents respectively, In Syria, many of the attacks were attributed to government or Russian forces before the fall of the Assad administration. In Mali. The ruling junta’s struggle to maintain control led to widespread targeting of food resources.

Women Bear the Brunt in Sudan

In Sudan. The conflict has entered its third year, with 12 million people displaced, 6 million of whom are women and girls, though UN Women reports that 12.1 million people are now at risk of gender-based violence, a number that has tripled in less than two years. Women and girls face acute food insecurity and limited access to healthcare and education, though With 80 percent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas non-functional, maternal deaths have increased, and access to reproductive health care is severely limited.

Displaced women in Sudan also lack access to clean water, with 80 percent unable to obtain it due to affordability, safety, and distance, and Despite these challenges, women have become key responders and peace advocates. They are demanding 50 percent representation in peace negotiations, in line with the Kampala Feminist Declaration, a framework developed by 49 women-led organizations.

Systemic Exclusion and Calls for Inclusion

“Women in Sudan are enduring the gravest forms of violence,particularly sexual violence,while being systematically excluded from peace processes,” said Anna Mutavati, UN Women Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. She emphasized the need to include women in political negotiations, noting their significant role in shaping Sudan’s future, but Mutavati added that while women’s strength is extraordinary, they should not have to face the crisis alone.