The UN warns of the humanitarian and economic consequences of the war in the Middle East

April 6, 2026 World and Security

The rise in oil prices, associated with the reduction of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, leads to an increase in the cost of transport, electricity, and agricultural materials worldwide, especially in countries dependent on energy imports. Disruptions in shipping and the increase in insurance premiums due to war risks create additional burdens on supply chains, and the shortage of fertilizers causes concerns about food production.

Impact on humanitarian operations

The crisis also affects humanitarian activities: rising fuel and transport pricesincreases the cost of providing assistance. The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that the Middle East crisis has significantly disrupted global food supply chains. Deliveries of about 70 thousand metric tons of food products (enough to feed 4 million people for a month) are being delayed, becoming more expensive, or being rerouted through other routes.

Fertilizer shortages could disrupt future harvests. According to WFP forecasts, if the crisis drags on, up to 45 million people worldwide could be on the brink of severe hunger.

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), there is a sharp decline in maritime transportation through the Strait of Hormuzincreases financial pressurein developing economies. Growing uncertainty compels investors to move away from markets, which weakens national currencies and increases the cost of borrowing.

Ongoing attacks

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), medical evacuation from Gaza to Egypt through the Rafah Crossing Point was immediately suspended on Monday following a serious security incident.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s healthcare system is under enormous pressure. Since the beginning of March, 92 attacks on medical facilities, ambulances, and personnel have been recorded, resulting in 53 deaths and 137 more injuries. In some hospitals, the number of emergency visits has tripled, while medical institutions in other areas have been forced to close.

UNHCR continues to work in the region: 440 thousand people in Lebanon and more than 70 thousand people at the border crossing in Syria have received assistance. However, access to those in need is severely limited: almost 80 percent of humanitarian convoys to southern Lebanon were unable to reach their planned destination due to security restrictions.

Crisis for women and girls

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that women and girls bear the brunt of the impact.

In Lebanon, more than 1.2 million people have left their homes. Among the displaced are about 13,500 pregnant women, many of whom cannot receive basic medical care. More than 620,000 women and girls face an increased risk of violence and exploitation.

UNFPA is expanding its operations – mobile clinics, safe spaces, and distribution of first aid kits for women and infants. At the same time, UN agencies warn that providing critically important services will soon become impossible due to lack of funding.

Nuclear security

Based on independent analysis of new satellite images and technical data, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed information about the consequences of recent military strikes in the immediate vicinity of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran, including one strike just 75 meters from the perimeter of the site. The station itself was not damaged, according to analysis of images from April 5.

The director general of the IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi again warns that the continuation of military activity near an operating nuclear power plant with a large amount of nuclear fuel can lead to a serious radiological accident with fatal consequences for people and the environment both in Iran and beyond. The nuclear facility and the territories adjacent to it should never be subjected to attacks, Grossi emphasized.