WFP reduces food aid to Gaza due to severe funding shortages

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced on October 19, 2026, that critical funding shortages are forcing major cutbacks to its aid operations in the Gaza Strip. The agency is reducing its monthly food assistance reach from 1.6 million to 1.1 million recipients, directly impacting approximately 500,000 people who previously relied on this support.

In addition to the reduced headcount, the WFP has halved food rations for ongoing recipients and cut cash assistance for 75,000 families. The provision of daily hot meals for those unable to cook has dropped from 250,000 to 150,000, with some families in isolated areas now receiving meals only every other day. Currently, an estimated 1.4 million people—representing two-thirds of Gaza’s population—are facing crisis-level food insecurity or worse, including 200,000 individuals in emergency conditions.

These measures occur despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement finalized last year. While the agreement intended to facilitate reconstruction, progress remains stalled, with terms regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops yet to be fulfilled. Consequently, residents continue to live in inadequate shelters with limited access to basic services as the humanitarian situation remains dire.