UN World Food Programme cuts aid to 500,000 people in Gaza

On October 19, 2026, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced a significant reduction in its humanitarian operations within the Gaza Strip due to severe funding shortages. This decision will result in 500,000 Palestinians losing their monthly food assistance, effectively decreasing the number of people served by the organization from 1.6 million to 1.1 million.

Sean Hughes, the WFP director for the Palestinian territories, stated that these difficult choices are necessary to ensure the longevity of remaining resources during the ongoing crisis. The situation in the region remains dire, with over a million people struggling with acute shortages of food and essential medical supplies. The WFP emphasized that despite the cuts, it is critical not to divert attention from the humanitarian disaster unfolding on the ground.

While the organization continues to operate at a reduced capacity, the reduction highlights the mounting challenges humanitarian agencies face in maintaining consistent support for the population in Gaza. No specific timeline for the restoration of full services was provided, as the agency remains dependent on international funding to scale operations back up.