The UN children’s agency UNICEF warns that war-related disruptions affecting Middle East transport are threatening the delivery of lifesaving supplies to children. Nearly 100 days after the outbreak of the Iran war, UNICEF says heightened insecurity around key Gulf shipping routes has increased fuel prices and insurance premiums, while congestion at alternative ports is further slowing deliveries. These factors are contributing to wider supply chain delays that affect humanitarian shipments.
To cope with delays, UNICEF says it is increasingly relying on air freight rather than sea transport. According to UNICEF, the need for rapid air deliveries has become more urgent as shipping timelines lengthen. One reported impact is that UNICEF nearly exhausted its annual contributions from logistics partners that donate charter flights during the first quarter, reflecting increased use of air transport.
UNICEF also reports using charter air flights to move supplies into locations including Lebanon and Gaza despite shipping delays that can run several weeks, described in one account as four to six weeks. The UN’s warning focuses on the risk that transport constraints will limit timely access to essential child-focused humanitarian assistance.
