This food security crisis was fueled by conflicts in Gaza and Sudan, as well as economic shocks.

The number of hungry people increased by 24 million compared to the previous year.

The report, titled "Global Food Security Outlook," predicts a "bleak" outlook for this year and is produced by an international alliance of UN agencies, the EU, and governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Food insecurity refers to populations facing food deprivation that endangers their lives or livelihoods, regardless of the cause or duration.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported that more areas have experienced new or worsening food crises, leading to a significant increase in food-insecure people from 108 million in 2016 to 282 million in 2021.

Areas of concern include Sudan and the Gaza Strip.

The percentage of affected populations has doubled from 11% to 22%.

Ongoing major food crises persist in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that in a world with an abundance of food, approximately 300 million people experienced acute food crises in 2023.

The primary causes were war, climate chaos, and a cost-of-living crisis, with inadequate action to address these issues.

Conflict or insecurity were the main causes of acute hunger.

To make progress in 2024, Wouterse, a representative, suggested that the end of hostilities was necessary.

Aid could quickly alleviate food crises in areas like Gaza and Sudan once humanitarian access was granted.