Resource Security Watch No. 58

HOW HAMAS PROFITS FROM HUMANITARIAN AID
Since the start of Israel's war with the Hamas terror group in the Gaza Strip last Fall, the question of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians has occupied a prominent place in international discourse. In response to criticism from the international community and pressure from the United States, the Israeli government has expanded humanitarian access to the territory, and widened the flow of goods into the area in recent weeks despite ongoing combat operations. Humanitarian problems persist, however, and the conduct of Hamas is a large part of the reason why.

Intercepted communications between Hamas operatives have revealed that the group has hijacked large shipments of humanitarian aid intended to help relieve the civilian crisis in Gaza. Hamas has likewise taken control of the distribution of supplies, the flow of which has surged in recent weeks to some 200 trucks of supplies daily. The resulting situation is deeply unequal. While some in the Gaza Strip still complain of food insecurity and humanitarian privation, the terror group's warehouses are reportedly overrun with supplies. And without meaningful constraints or opposition, these resources are being used to Hamas's benefit. Attempts to expand the distribution of humanitarian aid by involving pre-war Gaza-based merchants has likewise proven inadequate. Hamas has crippled the system, which Israeli authorities had sought to establish, by taking 20% of the merchants' profits, potentially discouraging others from participating in aid distribution.

The confiscation of humanitarian supplies by Hamas is worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It also carries a clear political benefit, allowing the organization to consolidate power, and to leverage critical resources in order to reinforce its control over the Palestinian population. (Jerusalem Post, September 13, 2024)

THE UKRAINE WAR AND GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY
Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the militarization of the Black Sea since have significantly disrupted global food security, with Ukraine's agricultural production and exports particularly hard hit. Just how much is detailed in a new study from the International Centre for Ukrainian Victory, a Ukrainian think tank. It notes that the blockade of Black Sea ports has halted the shipment of grain and other goods to regions like Africa, Asia, and Europe. Ukraine's agricultural sector has suffered over $80 billion in losses, including $10.3 billion in destroyed assets, with agricultural machinery making up the largest portion of the damage. Additionally, $1.97 billion worth of grain has been stolen or destroyed, and millions of hectares of farmland remain unusable due to mines and ongoing hostilities. The June 2023 destruction of the Kakhovka dam further devastated Ukraine's irrigation systems, leaving large parts of key agricultural regions without water. While efforts like the Black Sea Grain Initiative helped export 32.1 million tons of grain over a 12 month span, Russia's termination of the agreement last year deepened the crisis. Ukraine has since managed to export grain via alternative routes, but attacks on shipping infrastructure continue, complicating logistics.

The impact has been severe – and widespread. Global food prices, which hit an all-time high after the invasion, remain volatile. Low-income countries are particularly affected, with many experiencing food inflation above 15%. The war has increased the cost of humanitarian assistance, with organizations like the World Food Programme struggling to meet rising needs.

To mitigate these challenges, the Centre urges a series of remedial measures. These include strengthening Ukraine's defenses, securing international financial support, demining and demilitarization of the Black Sea, and enhanced sanctions on Russia. "Ukraine's complete victory, including the liberation of Crimea and the Black Sea ports, complete demilitarisation of the Black Sea, and the establishment of sustainable peace on Ukrainian terms, is crucial for ensuring global food security," the report argues. (UCIV, June 28, 2024)

ZAMBIAN DROUGHT DEEPENS ENERGY CRISIS
The African nation of Zambia is grappling with an unprecedented energy crisis stemming from a climate change-induced drought that has left Lake Kariba, the world's largest man-made lake by volume, severely depleted. This has drastically reduced hydroelectric output, a critical energy source for the country, affecting over 80% of Zambia's power generation. The drought, exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern and warming global temperatures, has brought Kariba Dam's water levels to historic lows, leaving only one of six turbines operational. This has caused extensive blackouts, with some areas experiencing no electricity for days, impairing daily life and economic activities across the nation. The economic impact is expected to be worse than that of COVID-19 lockdowns, further threatening poverty levels. Less than half of Zambia's 20 million people had electricity access before the crisis, and now millions more are affected.

Experts warn of Africa's vulnerability to such disruptions due to the heavy reliance on hydroelectric power by countries accross the continent. Hydropower currently accounts for 17% of the continent's energy, but is expected to rise to 23% by 2040. Countries like Mozambique, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Congo also face heightened risks. (Associated Press, October 11, 2024)