BEIRUT, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Food insecurity is worsening across Lebanon, particularly in the south, where most markets have ceased functioning, World Food Programme (WFP) spokesperson Rasha Abou Dargham said Friday.
"Lebanon was already going through a difficult economic crisis, with many families struggling to secure their basic food needs," Abou Dargham told Xinhua, noting that around 900,000 people were food insecure even before the latest escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.
New estimates expected to be released soon indicate that the number is likely to rise, she added, warning that "the most vulnerable are becoming even more vulnerable."
Abou Dargham described a worsening situation driven by a combination of rising prices, shrinking incomes, and increasing demand amid continued population movements.
"Food is still available in many areas, but it is becoming more difficult to access," she said.
In southern Lebanon, more than 80 percent of markets are no longer functioning, and many traders report that existing stockpiles may last no longer than a week, according to the spokesperson.
In relatively safer areas such as Beirut, markets remain open but face significant pressure, creating what she described as "a crisis in both directions" -- with some regions experiencing near collapse while others struggle to cope with increased demand.
The warning comes as Lebanon faces overlapping economic and security challenges, with ongoing conflict and Israeli strikes disrupting supply chains, displacing communities, and intensifying worries about food access for many citizens. ■
