Food Aid Cuts End Support for Half a Million People in Palestine

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 23, 2026

The United Nations World Food Programme has cut its monthly food aid in Palestine, ending support for around 500,000 people due to a severe funding shortfall. Without an urgent $400 million in donations over the next six months, food insecurity is expected to worsen for vulnerable populations in Gaza and the West Bank.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been compelled to reduce its monthly food assistance in Palestine, ending support for approximately half a million people, according to the agency’s director for the region. This cutback comes amid a significant funding shortfall that has forced the WFP to scale back its operations.

Earlier this year, WFP initiatives provided food aid to roughly 1.6 million individuals in Gaza, equating to about 75% of the population. However, financial contributions to the program have decreased by more than 50% compared to 2025 levels, prompting a reduction in the number of beneficiaries. Since October, the WFP has limited monthly support to about 1.1 million people, marking a substantial decrease from prior coverage.

The agency has emphasized the urgency of securing $400 million over the upcoming six months to reinstate and sustain essential food assistance projects in Palestine. Without this funding, the program’s capacity to reach vulnerable populations in Gaza and the West Bank remains at risk, raising concerns about increased food insecurity and humanitarian needs in the region.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.