UN Food Aid Cut for 500,000 in Gaza Amid Funding Shortfall
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The World Food Programme has reduced food aid for 500,000 people in Gaza due to a funding crisis, decreasing its total beneficiaries from 1.6 million to 1.1 million. Daily hot meal distributions have fallen by 100,000, and vulnerable families face further cuts. The WFP needs $450 million more in the next six months to sustain its operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The World Food Programme has cut aid for 500,000 people in Gaza due to funding shortages.
- The number of people receiving WFP aid in Gaza has dropped from 1.6 million to 1.1 million.
- Daily hot meal distributions in Gaza have decreased from 250,000 to 150,000.
- 1.4 million Gaza residents face acute food insecurity, with 200,000 in critical conditions.
- The WFP requires an additional $450 million for its programs in Gaza and the West Bank.
The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Monday a significant reduction in its food distributions in Gaza due to insufficient funding, impacting approximately 500,000 individuals who will no longer receive monthly assistance. Previously, the UN agency supported 1.6 million people, but this number has now decreased to 1.1 million. The cuts also affect food rations and financial aid for the most vulnerable families. Consequently, the number of hot meals distributed daily has dropped from 250,000 to 150,000. In some hard-to-reach areas, families are now only receiving aid every other day. These reductions come at a time of immense need, with an estimated 1.4 million Gaza residents facing acute food insecurity, including 200,000 in critical conditions.
Despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States aimed at improving supplies and reconstruction, progress remains limited, and humanitarian organizations struggle to maintain their operations. Carl Skau, the WFP's interim executive director, urged donor countries to act swiftly. The WFP estimates it requires an additional $450 million over the next six months to continue its programs in Gaza and the West Bank. The organization stresses the urgency of not only delivering more food but also preventing the reversal of recent improvements. Without new funding, further restrictions on aid distributions are anticipated.
