Gaza families fear losing their last lifeline after WFP aid cuts

Palestinian families who lost their homes and livelihoods in the Gaza war fear losing their only means of survival after the World Food Programme (WFP) announced cuts to food and cash assistance for about 500,000 people. The WFP stated the cuts were due to a lack of funding, despite the needs not decreasing and their ability to deliver food remaining unchanged.

Ahmed Al Haj, a 53-year-old living in a displacement camp in southern Gaza, relies on WFP assistance to feed his family. He worries that the reduction could lead to his family receiving no financial support. The WFP announced that the number of Palestinians receiving monthly assistance will decrease from 1.6 million to 1.1 million, with families receiving fewer food parcels and hot meals.

The agency urgently needs $400 million to maintain essential programs in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months. The cuts come as 1.4 million people in Gaza, or 67% of the population, face acute food insecurity at crisis levels or worse. For Mohammed Abu Ailwa, a 46-year-old living in a displacement camp near Gaza city’s port, the cuts threaten one of the few sources of food for his family of nine.

He expressed deep concern for his family's survival, stating that the assistance is a lifeline and should be increased rather than reduced. Economic analyst Ahmed Abu Qamar warned that the loss of humanitarian assistance could further weaken Gaza's devastated economy, as the food and cash assistance not only helps families survive but also supports local businesses by enabling households to buy essential goods.