Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza
Abstract Background In the Gaza Strip, 63% of individuals suffer from food insecurity and rely on international aid, and 81.5% of the population lived below the poverty line, with an unemployment rate of 46.6% as of the third quarter of 2022. Since the onset of the 2023–2024 conflict, the situation...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00761-w |
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| author | Zuhair Dardona Mounia Amane Samia Boussaa |
| author_facet | Zuhair Dardona Mounia Amane Samia Boussaa |
| author_sort | Zuhair Dardona |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background In the Gaza Strip, 63% of individuals suffer from food insecurity and rely on international aid, and 81.5% of the population lived below the poverty line, with an unemployment rate of 46.6% as of the third quarter of 2022. Since the onset of the 2023–2024 conflict, the situation has not only worsened but also intensified dramatically. Methods and aims This study investigates the effects of the 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among Gaza's population, by analyzing data from scientific research and official reports of international aid organizations, local government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, Results The study reveals a severe decline in nutritional status attributable to the ongoing conflict. The findings indicate a significant reduction in food diversity, with notable shortages of essential items such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, accompanied by a marked increase in food prices. Consequently, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are increasingly dependent on unhealthy, packaged foods. The study further highlights critical health issues arising from this crisis, including a decreased availability of animal proteins, a lack of fresh produce, and an overall imbalance in dietary variety. The destruction of agricultural infrastructure—comprising farms, land, pastures, and animal pens—and restricted access due to military operations have compounded food insecurity and aggravated the nutritional crisis. Conclusion This study emphasizes the urgent need to end the current war and the crucial need for coordinated efforts by local and international organizations to solve food shortages, increase dietary variety, and improve the nutritional well-being of the population of Gaza. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-178c2fc584d94a20b02e054aa0717059 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 3005-0774 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-178c2fc584d94a20b02e054aa07170592025-08-20T03:37:19ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-06-0122111510.1186/s12982-025-00761-wAssessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of GazaZuhair Dardona0Mounia Amane1Samia Boussaa2Governmental Medical ServiceMinistry of Health and Social Protection, ISPITS-Higher Institute of Nursing and Technical Health OccupationsMinistry of Health and Social Protection, ISPITS-Higher Institute of Nursing and Technical Health OccupationsAbstract Background In the Gaza Strip, 63% of individuals suffer from food insecurity and rely on international aid, and 81.5% of the population lived below the poverty line, with an unemployment rate of 46.6% as of the third quarter of 2022. Since the onset of the 2023–2024 conflict, the situation has not only worsened but also intensified dramatically. Methods and aims This study investigates the effects of the 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among Gaza's population, by analyzing data from scientific research and official reports of international aid organizations, local government agencies, and non-governmental organizations, Results The study reveals a severe decline in nutritional status attributable to the ongoing conflict. The findings indicate a significant reduction in food diversity, with notable shortages of essential items such as meat, fruits, and vegetables, accompanied by a marked increase in food prices. Consequently, many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are increasingly dependent on unhealthy, packaged foods. The study further highlights critical health issues arising from this crisis, including a decreased availability of animal proteins, a lack of fresh produce, and an overall imbalance in dietary variety. The destruction of agricultural infrastructure—comprising farms, land, pastures, and animal pens—and restricted access due to military operations have compounded food insecurity and aggravated the nutritional crisis. Conclusion This study emphasizes the urgent need to end the current war and the crucial need for coordinated efforts by local and international organizations to solve food shortages, increase dietary variety, and improve the nutritional well-being of the population of Gaza.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00761-wGazaConflictFoodInsecurityNutrition |
| spellingShingle | Zuhair Dardona Mounia Amane Samia Boussaa Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza Discover Public Health Gaza Conflict Food Insecurity Nutrition |
| title | Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza |
| title_full | Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza |
| title_fullStr | Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza |
| title_full_unstemmed | Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza |
| title_short | Assessing the effects of 2023–2024 conflict on food security, dietary habits, and nutritional well-being among the population of Gaza |
| title_sort | assessing the effects of 2023 2024 conflict on food security dietary habits and nutritional well being among the population of gaza |
| topic | Gaza Conflict Food Insecurity Nutrition |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00761-w |
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