U.N.: Libya is running out of food and medicine

As Muammar Qaddafi's violent efforts to remain in power for a 43rd year in Libya drag on into a fifth month, the most basic of human necessities, food, is running out for many Libyans, Reuters reports.

Panos Moumtzis, who coordinates U.N. relief efforts for the conflict, said information from the Libyan government indicates that it was using up stocks of food and medicine, which could not be replenished because of sanctions.

"The food, and the medical supplies, is a little bit like a time bomb. At the moment it's under control and it's okay. But if this goes on for quite some time, this will become a major issue," he told Reuters in Tripoli. "For some food commodities it's a matter of weeks, others perhaps a matter of months. What is clear is that this cannot continue for a very long time."

It is impossible to tell how long the fight will drag on for, but Qaddafi's efforts to remain in power face stiffer resistance by the day. South African President Jacob Zuma failed to negotiate an exit plan with Qaddafi this past weekend. The U.K. and France have both recently announced their intent to use attack helicopters as they back rebels attempting to unseat Qaddafi, as NATO steps up its bombing campaign in the capital Tripoli and elsewhere. The longtime ruler's military has faced an extended series of defections from soldiers and officers alike.

Additionally, Libya's economy is largely dependent on oil exports, but the current trade sanctions leveled against his regime has left Qaddafi's government strapped for cash. Gasoline for cars is already in short supply, as long lines form at gas stations throughout Qaddafi-held territory.

For those in rebel-held Misrata, scared and battered by weeks of intense back-and-forth fighting in the key coastal city, food and medicine shortages have been an issue for more than a month.

If the fighting continues much longer, hunger will be the latest scourge of all of Qaddafi's Libya.