The World Food Programme (WFP) announced significant cuts to its food assistance in Gaza, immediately impacting 500,000 people as of October 2026 due to severe funding shortages. This reduction leaves 1.1 million people remaining on aid, down from 1.6 million beneficiaries.

This decision comes as approximately 212,000 people in Gaza are already experiencing emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4) and require immediate food assistance to prevent hunger-related deaths. With winter approaching, the aid cuts threaten to deepen an already fragile food security situation for a population largely dependent on humanitarian support.

What the records show

The WFP reduced the number of people receiving monthly food assistance from 1.6 million to 1.1 million. For many remaining beneficiaries, food rations have been halved, meaning families now receive one food parcel instead of two. Cash assistance has also been cut for 75,000 families. The agency also reduced the number of daily hot meals provided through community kitchens from 250,000 to 150,000. The WFP states it urgently needs $450 million to maintain critical operations in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months. The agency has received less than half its usual financing for Palestinian territories in 2026.

The timeline

A US-backed ceasefire took effect in October 2025. By July 2026, an estimated 212,000 people in Gaza remained in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity conditions. The WFP cuts, which began in October 2026, were preceded by warnings from the Food Security Sector that daily hot meal production and monthly household parcel distributions would shrink significantly starting that month due to funding shortfalls.

What changed and for whom

Starting October 2026, 500,000 people who previously received monthly food assistance will no longer receive it. The 1.1 million people who still receive aid will do so in reduced amounts, with food rations halved and less cash assistance. According to a WFP food security assessment, around 1.4 million people, or 67 percent of Gaza's population, already experienced acute food insecurity prior to these cuts. Recent improvements in food security are described as modest and fragile.

What the subject has said publicly

Shaun Hughes, the WFP country director for Palestine, confirmed the cuts, stating to AFP, "As of this month, we're now cutting half a million people from the number of people that we're assisting". Carl Skau, acting WFP executive director, described a harsh reality in Gaza, saying, "Life is still brutal here. There is no proper shelter ... There is no basic services. There is no safety, no security". The Hamas-run Gaza government media office characterized the WFP's announcement as "catastrophic" and warned it might accelerate famine in the enclave. The WFP plans to monitor hunger levels and