UN warns Middle East conflict could push millions into poverty worldwide

The United Nations Development Programme warned that ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could push tens of millions of people into poverty across 162 countries.

In a new policy brief, the agency said up to 32 million more people could fall into poverty under a worst-case scenario, as rising energy and food prices strain vulnerable economies.

The report found that while the impact is strongest in conflict-affected areas, poorer countries far from the region are also at risk due to dependence on imported energy.

The UNDP urged governments to implement targeted and temporary measures such as cash transfers and subsidies to protect low-income households, warning that prolonged conflict could reverse years of development gains.