Syrians face increasing hunger as economic collapse deepens – WFP  

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – After 13 years of conflict and economic devastation, Syrians are struggling more than ever to support their families, World Food Program (WFP) said on Saturday.

The WFP added that with the world’s second-highest number of internally displaced people, Syria faces worsening food insecurity.

It indicated that nearly 13 million people are food insecure, including 3.1 million who are severely affected.

Economic collapse, soaring living costs, and reduced humanitarian aid have intensified the crisis, the WFP noted.

The WFP pointed out that it has reduced assistance by 80 percent due to funding shortfalls, urging international support to provide critical aid to those in desperate need.

On Dec. 4, 2023, the WFP has announced that it would end its primary aid program in Syria by 2024 due to lack of funding. 

The Syrian conflict, now in its 13th year, has led to economic devastation and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Millions are displaced, and nearly 13 million Syrians face food insecurity, with severe malnutrition rates on the rise.

The collapsing economy, fueled by war, sanctions, and inflation, has made basic necessities unaffordable for most.

The crisis has been exacerbated by reduced international aid, with the WFP cutting assistance by 80 percent in 2024 due to funding shortfalls, leaving Syrians in urgent need of increased global support.

By Jwan Shekaki