In the 5th Century, the ancient strategist Sun Tzu articulated the concept of using starvation as a wartime tactic, suggesting that one could bring an enemy to their knees by depriving them of resources until they were desperate enough to capitulate. While the instruments of war have evolved—from cavalry to armored vehicles and from swords to firearms—the fundamental strategy of undermining an enemy’s survival through deprivation remains alarmingly relevant today. Currently, approximately 783 million individuals globally lack sufficient food, with over 85% of this vulnerable population residing in conflict-affected nations. This correlation is not coincidental; starvation is being employed deliberately as a tactic in conflict zones ranging from Gaza and Ukraine to Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In 2018, the United Nations adopted Resolution 2417, which recognized the critical link between armed conflict and famine. Today, armed conflict continues to be a predominant driver of both acute and chronic food insecurity.

Food as a Weapon

The alarming trend of weaponizing hunger must be acknowledged by key players, including the European Union and the United Nations, as they engage in humanitarian efforts and pursue peace. Although there has been a significant increase in funding for humanitarian food assistance—particularly in response to the crisis in Ukraine—the failure to recognize the intricate connection between conflict and food insecurity hampers effective support. Ongoing negotiations regarding humanitarian aid often cast doubt on the long-term efficacy of food aid compared to other forms of assistance. Yet, in the context of modern warfare, addressing food insecurity is central to any viable solution.

Amid the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians displaced by the conflict traverse streets tainted by sewage, particularly in the southern town of Khan Younis in July 2024. In August, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich controversially suggested that the intentional starvation of Gazans could be seen as “justified and moral,” in the pursuit of national objectives. This statement came in light of accusations from the International Criminal Court asserting that Israeli leadership is deliberately utilizing hunger as a weapon of war. The Israeli actions that obstruct humanitarian aid and dismantle crucial infrastructure have led UN experts to declare a famine in Gaza. Reports indicate that malnutrition and dehydration have contributed to the tragic deaths of children across the territory, a situation described as part of Israel’s “genocidal starvation campaign”.

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Similar accusations have been leveled against Russia regarding its actions in Ukraine, where deliberate destruction of aid distribution points and restrictions on humanitarian assistance—such as those imposed on Mariupol during the early stages of the conflict—have left many without access to basic sustenance or clean drinking water. Although these instances have garnered significant media attention and some aid, the response remains inadequate to fully address the issue. However, numerous other crises receive far less visibility and even less urgent international response.

Exploitation of Hunger

In Sudan, the situation is dire, with over 2.5 million individuals facing what is being termed the “world’s worst hunger crisis.” The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has resulted in civilians being systematically starved, with both factions accusing each other of obstructing aid deliveries. Save the Children estimates that a staggering three out of four Sudanese children are currently experiencing daily hunger. This pervasive hunger is being exploited, as malnourished children are lured into armed groups with the promise of food, only to be coerced into participating in horrific violence. In spite of this looming humanitarian catastrophe, the international response has been woefully inadequate. While $2 billion was pledged at a dedicated conference in April 2024, less than half of that was allocated for humanitarian assistance, and much of the promised aid has yet to materialize.

The situation in Yemen is similarly grim, with an estimated 60% of deaths during the decade-long civil war attributed to starvation. Humanitarian fundraising efforts in 2023 fell short by $3.1 billion of the UN’s target. As a result, during the latter half of 2023, food aid was withdrawn from 10 million Afghans due to funding shortfalls.

Ultimately, the only sustainable solution to eradicate starvation among those displaced by violence is to secure enduring peace and stability. Any long-term strategy must prioritize efforts toward peace-building.

In the quest for solutions to such a widespread and desperate dilemma, it is crucial to involve those with lived experience of surviving in these harsh environments, as well as organizations with deep local insights that assist them. These organizations demonstrate remarkable creativity and agility, often delivering essential solutions and raising funds, despite the limited resources at their disposal. Nevertheless, nation-states have both moral and legal obligations to provide aid to combat conflict-related starvation and food insecurity. Collectively, nations possess the potential to address these issues at a scale that is essential for meaningful impact.

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Ultimately, to end starvation for those uprooted from their lives and lands by violence, it is vital to establish lasting peace and stability. Any long-term plan must focus on peace-building initiatives. Those who are starving are dependent on external assistance to first address their immediate needs; only then can any efforts to rebuild a nation or its people commence, ultimately aiming to reduce reliance on outside support. However, preventing deaths from starvation calls for immediate, practical, and effective action.

Our Collective Failure

As conflicts reach unprecedented levels not seen since World War II, food insecurity continues to escalate year after year. The protection of individuals from hunger and malnutrition is a fundamental human right that democratic nations are obliged to uphold. In a time of increasing uncertainty regarding the reliability of key allies, it is crucial for the EU to remain steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of zero hunger. The widespread nature of starvation globally serves as a stark reminder of our collective failure to honor our obligations to our fellow human beings. While providing necessary humanitarian aid presents formidable challenges, it is neither impossible nor optional, as the lives of millions in desperate circumstances depend on it.

Chef Andrés Torres is the founder of the NGO Global Humanitaria and the owner and head chef of the Michelin Green-Starred restaurant Casa Nova, located in Sant Martí Sarroca, Barcelona. He was awarded the Basque Culinary World Prize 2024 in recognition of the impact of his culinary expertise, sustainability efforts, and humanitarian initiatives.

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