World Food Programme cuts aid to 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza, citing funding shortages

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced significant reductions to its food aid program in the Gaza Strip, citing financial constraints. Roughly half a million people will no longer receive the monthly food support, down from 1.6 million previously. Food rations have been halved, and cash assistance has been eliminated for 75,000 families.

Daily hot meals for those unable to cook have decreased from 250,000 to 150,000. The WFP estimates that 1.4 million people, or two-thirds of Gaza's population, are facing severe food insecurity, including 200,000 in emergency conditions. Despite the UN-brokered ceasefire in Gaza last year, little progress has been made in implementing the deal, which includes Hamas disarming and Israel withdrawing its troops.

Acting WFP Executive Director Carl Skau expressed concern about the situation, stating that these cuts come just as the fourth winter approaches. The WFP urgently needs $450 million over the next six months to keep vital operations running in Gaza and the West Bank. Skau urged the world not to look away and to step up support to sustain progress and facilitate early recovery.