{
  "id": 9016137,
  "title": "WFP head warns maritime chokepoint disruptions could push millions into hunger",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/wfp-head-warns-maritime-chokepoint-disruptions-could-push-millions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T21:42:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2026/09/21/wfp-head-warns-maritime-chokepoint-disruptions-could-push-millions-into-hunger/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The head of the World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a warning regarding disruptions in three major maritime chokepoints, which could push millions more people into hunger. Speaking at a time when world leaders are discussing priorities for the upcoming year at the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr. Carl Skau highlighted these specific chokepoints as areas of concern. The Strait of Hormuz, the Bab Al Mandeb strait, and the Black Sea are experiencing conflict and escalating tensions, leading to disruptions in maritime trade and increased costs worldwide. Mr. Skau emphasized that these chokepoints are causing disruptions to food and energy prices, with vulnerable countries being particularly affected. In Yemen, where tens of thousands of people have been newly displaced, the situation is dire, with acute food insecurity affecting over half of the population. Approximately 2.2 million children under five are acutely malnourished, with half a million suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The country relies heavily on imports for its food, leaving families highly exposed to trade interruptions. The recent escalation in Yemen, where Houthi rebels have expanded their control along the western coast and declared an embargo on Saudi Arabia, has further deteriorated the situation. Mr. Skau called for increased diplomatic efforts from member states to end existing conflicts, prevent new ones, and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. He also emphasized the need for humanitarian access to the most vulnerable populations and protection for aid workers.",
  "summary": "Disruptions at three major maritime chokepoints are driving up global food and energy prices and could push millions more people into hunger, the acting head of the World Food Programme has warned. Carl Skau's comments come as world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly this week, where they will discuss their priorities for the coming year. Mr Skau told The National that the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "WFP head warns maritime chokepoint disruptions could push millions into hunger",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/wfp-head-warns-maritime-chokepoint-disruptions-could-push-millions-9019061",
        "published": "2026-09-21T21:42:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}