Cross-sectional study of the potential effects of October 2023 war on food security in the State of Palestine.

Abstract

Background: Research on food insecurity in the State of Palestine, including its impact on dietary habits, remains limited.

Aim: To examine the prevalence of food insecurity in Nablus Governorate, West Bank.

Methods: We collected quantitative data from representatives of 352 households aged ≥18 years and quantitative data from 12 household breadwinners at 9 locations in Nablus. We analysed the data with SPSS version 22 and used chi-square test to determine the associations between food insecurity and various study variables.

Results: Among the 328 participants, 21.6% were food insecure, of which 17.7% were moderate and 4% severe. Food security was higher in the cities (46.7%) than the villages (38.9%) and camps (14.4%). Food insecurity was significantly associated with employment status (P < 0.001), number of breadwinners (P < 0.00) and the types and frequencies of food groups available for consumption.

Conclusion: Continuous war, movement restrictions and increasing unemployment are exacerbating food insecurity and food injustice in the West Bank, especially in refugee camps. Policies and strategies are needed to improve food sovereignty and security in the State of Palestine.