UN: Food shortages and rising bread prices in Damascus

Since the beginning of the popular uprisings in 2011, more than 14 million Syrians have been displaced, making this conflict one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises. An alarming 70% of displaced people are in need of assistance, and 90% live below the poverty line. Dec 10, 2024 Photo: EFE

December 10, 2024 Hour: 4:45 pm

The OCHA report also highlights that hostilities continue to affect various regions of the country, causing the displacement of approximately 100,000 people to northeastern Syria.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued an alarming report on the serious humanitarian crisis facing Syria, especially in its capital, Damascus.

The situation has deteriorated significantly following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, which has led to critical food shortages in several cities across the country, including Deir al-Zor, Hama, and Damascus.

One of the most worrying indicators of this crisis is the exorbitant increase in the price of bread, which has risen by 900% in some areas, such as Idlib and Aleppo, between November 27 and December 9.

⚠️ Recent developments in #Syria, including the escalation in hostilities, have compounded needs.

Displaced communities in shelters face overcrowding and lack critical supplies.

Emergency aid has been distributed but more is required. The @UN remains committed to delivering. ⬇️
— UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) December 9, 2024

This increase reflects not only the scarcity of commodities but also the devastating impact of political and social instability on the daily lives of Syrians.

The OCHA report also highlights that hostilities continue to affect various regions of the country, causing the displacement of approximately 100,000 people to northeastern Syria.

Hospitals are overcrowded due to high numbers of injuries and trauma, with a significant psychological impact on civilians, especially children, who show clear signs of trauma.

Despite these adversities, the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to work as much as possible. However, the situation is complicated by reports of looting of humanitarian aid warehouses, putting life-saving assistance for millions of people at risk.

The UN estimates that 16 million Syrians urgently need humanitarian aid, calling on the international community to increase funding to improve living conditions, including the opening of new shelter facilities, sanitation, and food.

Since the beginning of the popular uprisings in 2011, more than 14 million Syrians have been displaced, making this conflict one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises

. An alarming 70% of displaced people are in need of assistance, and 90% live below the poverty line.