The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations is facing funding shortages, leading to significant reductions in aid to Gaza. Approximately 500,000 individuals in the region will no longer receive monthly food assistance, exacerbating the existing struggles of two-thirds of the population to access an adequate food supply.
To cope with the funding shortfall, the WFP has decreased the number of beneficiaries receiving monthly aid from 1.6 million to 1.1 million. Furthermore, food rations have been halved, cash support has been eliminated for 75,000 families, and the daily provision of hot meals has decreased from 250,000 to 150,000. Some families in remote areas are now receiving a hot meal only every other day.
An estimated 1.4 million people in Gaza, representing two-thirds of the population, are experiencing severe food insecurity, with around 200,000 individuals in emergency situations. Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. last year, which aims to rebuild Gaza, little progress has been made in implementing the terms, including Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal.
Carl Skau, the interim director of the WFP, highlighted the ongoing hardships in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for $450 million over the next six months to sustain critical operations in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Skau urged the global community to step up support to maintain progress and facilitate early recovery efforts.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 60% of the territory under Israeli control, frequent airstrikes by Israeli forces, and inadequate aid supplies in areas governed by Hamas. The WFP’s announcement of aid cuts was described as “catastrophic” by the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, warning of a potential acceleration of famine if additional funding is not secured for aid agencies.
Expressing frustration and exhaustion, Palestinian Sabrine Kuhail, residing in a displacement site in Nuseirat refugee camp, lamented the prolonged suffering caused by conflict, destruction, and ongoing bloodshed in the region. The plea for continued support and relief echoed the sentiments of many affected by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
