UN Warns of Deepening Humanitarian Crisis and Trade Disruptions in Middle East Due to Escalating Hostilities

UN humanitarians issued a stark warning on Thursday that the escalating violence in the Middle East is severely disrupting maritime trade, flights, border crossings, and regional supply chains, consequently deepening humanitarian needs for millions. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of attacks in and around the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb, emphasizing that any further disruption could exacerbate already underfunded and overstretched aid operations. The widening impact of the conflict is placing more civilians at risk, with first responders in Gaza facing severe constraints due to military operations, access restrictions, and shortages of essential supplies.