Israeli Attacks Threaten Food Security for Children in Lebanon
Conflict and infrastructure damage push millions toward malnutrition as agricultural production collapses across southern regions.
1Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Save the Children reports rising child hunger and malnutrition across Lebanon due to ongoing military hostilities. The conflict has severely damaged agricultural infrastructure, displacing families and inflating living costs. These combined factors are drastically reducing children's access to adequate nutrition, creating a precarious situation for the most vulnerable populations in the country.
2Agricultural Land Destruction
Israeli military operations have impacted nearly 25 percent of Lebanon's agricultural land, according to official reports. Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani confirmed that approximately 56,000 hectares have been affected, including 24,000 hectares of olive-growing territory. This destruction extends beyond crops to include livestock and essential beekeeping operations, crippling the local food production capacity.
3Rising Food Insecurity Figures
Data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicates a 15.4 percent increase in people struggling to meet basic needs since April. Currently, 2.15 million individuals, over one-third of the population, lack effective coping mechanisms. Projections suggest the number of people facing crisis-level food insecurity will rise to 1.15 million by July 2027.
4Impact on Olive Harvest
The olive harvest, a primary income source for many southern households, remains largely inaccessible due to movement restrictions and safety concerns. Families are currently unable to reach their land to collect produce. This loss of seasonal income exacerbates the financial strain, forcing households to choose between heating their homes and feeding their children.
5Long-term Developmental Risks
Nora Ingdal, country director for Save the Children, warns that continued hostilities pose severe long-term harm to children. Beyond immediate hunger, the lack of dietary diversity and consistent meals threatens physical development. Without a stable environment, these children face lasting protection risks that could fundamentally shape their health and well-being for years.
6Call for International Intervention
Humanitarian organizations are urging the international community to scale up funding for food assistance and nutrition programs. Immediate intervention is required to rehabilitate damaged agricultural infrastructure and provide safe access for farmers to return to their fields. Such support is essential to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and ensure recovery.
7Market and Supply Pressures
Lebanon's food markets faced significant pressure when fighting intensified in March, coinciding with the local agricultural production season. While testing confirms that olive oil and olives from southern regions remain safe for consumption, access to these areas for comprehensive assessment remains limited. Specialist teams cannot reach certain zones to evaluate total damage.
8Fragile Ceasefire Limitations
Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israeli attacks have continued across various parts of Lebanon. The ongoing instability prevents the resumption of normal agricultural activities and keeps families displaced. Experts emphasize that only an immediate, comprehensive end to all hostilities can effectively halt the decline in national food security.
Original article: The New Arab — Israeli Attacks Threaten Food Security for Children in Lebanon