World Food Programme cuts Gaza aid to half a million people over funding shortfall

Funding shortages force the WFP to halve its beneficiary list and slash daily hot meals as winter approaches.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 13:20:28 GMT

The United Nations World Food Programme announced on Monday that it will cut food assistance in the Gaza Strip, reducing the number of people receiving monthly parcels from 1.6 million to 1.1 million and cutting hot meals from 250,000 to 150,000 per day, according to Al Jazeera and the BBC.

What happened

The agency said it received less than half the funding for its 2026 Palestine operation compared with previous years and urgently needs an additional $450 million to sustain operations for the next six months. As a result, the WFP will halve the number of families receiving two food parcels each month to one parcel, and will provide smaller bags of flour. Hot meals prepared by community kitchens will be reduced by 40 percent, from 250,000 to 150,000 daily.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera noted that the cuts will leave about 500,000 Palestinians without critical support and that families in hard‑to‑reach zones near the “yellow line” will see their rations cut. The BBC added that families in those areas will receive a meal every other day instead of daily, and highlighted that nearly all of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents remain displaced, with two‑thirds relying on food aid.

What was said

Al Jazeera quoted a WFP statement that the agency “urgently needs a further $450 million to maintain critical operations over the next six months.” The BBC reported that displaced mother‑of‑five Mervat al‑Satari called the cuts “a disaster” after being told of the reduced rations.

How it came about

The funding shortfall follows a broader humanitarian squeeze in Gaza. Felo News reported on 18 October that Israel halted commercial shipments into Gaza, driving up prices of flour, eggs and onions. The WFP has been a major supplier of food aid, but the combination of reduced donor contributions and rising demand has forced the agency to scale back its programme.

Key facts

WFP will reduce the number of people receiving monthly food parcels in Gaza from 1.6 million to 1.1 million. (aljazeera.com)
Daily hot meals provided by community kitchens will drop from 250,000 to 150,000. (bbc.co.uk)
The agency says it needs an additional $450 million to sustain operations for the next six months. (aljazeera.com)
Families near the “yellow line” will receive a meal every other day instead of daily. (bbc.co.uk)
Funding received for the 2026 Palestine operation is less than half of previous years. (aljazeera.com)