The World Food Programme has suspended food aid for 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza due to funding shortages, with rations reduced for others. Gaza’s Government Media Office warns of catastrophic consequences and calls for reopened border crossings to allow urgent aid delivery.
WFP country director Shaun Hughes confirmed the cuts, stating aid for half a million people has been ended. The program previously supported 1.6 million people in Gaza, but funding has dropped by more than half from 2025 levels. Aid has been scaled back to 1.1 million people each month.
The situation remains critical, with two-thirds of Gaza’s population facing crisis levels of food insecurity. WFP needs over £300m to restore aid programs, but funding challenges persist as donors grapple with cost of living issues. Without economic recovery, most families will continue relying on food handouts.