WFP Cuts Food Aid to Gaza Amid Severe Funding Shortage

WFP Cuts Food Aid to Gaza Amid Severe Funding Shortage
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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced significant cuts to food assistance in Gaza due to a severe funding shortage, warning that the reductions come as families face worsening food insecurity ahead of winter.

The agency will reduce daily hot meals distributed through community kitchens from 250,000 to 150,000, while monthly flour supplies and food rations will reach 600,000 people, down from 1.1 million. Overall, the number of people receiving WFP assistance is expected to fall from 1.6 million to 1.1 million.

Sean Hughes, the WFP’s director in Palestine, said the cuts reflect financial constraints rather than reduced humanitarian needs or restricted access. The agency is seeking $450 million to sustain its essential operations over the next six months.

Meanwhile, many displaced Palestinian families continue to face shortages of food, cooking fuel, clean water and adequate shelter. The WFP said it would continue supporting bakeries and providing targeted assistance to women and children, despite the reduced resources.

The agency has also warned of rising food insecurity in the occupied West Bank, where violence and displacement are increasing humanitarian needs.