UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Nearly 282 million people in 59 countries suffered from acute hunger in 2023, with war-torn Gaza as the territory with the largest number of people facing famine, according to the Global Report on Food Crises released Wednesday.
The U.N. report said 24 million more people faced an acute lack of food than in 2022, due to the sharp deterioration in food security, especially in the Gaza Strip and Sudan. The number of nations with food crises that are monitored has also been expanded.
Máximo Torero, chief economist for the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization, said 705,000 people in five countries are at Phase 5, the highest level, on a scale of hunger determined by international experts — the highest number since the global report began in 2016 and quadruple the number that year.
Over 80% of those facing imminent famine — 577,000 people — were in Gaza, he said. South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Somalia and Mali each host many thousands also facing catastrophic hunger.
The US is now allowed to seize Russian state assets. How would that work?
Rudy Gobert's big night lifts Timberwolves past Hawks and into a first
Augsburg edges closer to European spot with 2
US Steel shareholders approve takeover by Japan's Nippon Steel opposed by Biden administration
Cristian Măcelaru to become music director of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 2025
Retiring Chairman Sean McManus leaves CBS Sports with its critical properties locked up long
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses Congress amid skepticism about US role abroad
QB Kellen Mond joining the New Orleans Saints to compete for a backup role
A great escape! Family poodle gets trapped underneath kitchen
Conservatives compelled by Trump are pushing Nebraska to adopt a winner