Famine Fears Grow in Gaza Amid Aid Cuts and Shattered Hospitals

The World Food Programme (WFP) has significantly scaled back its aid operations in Gaza, discontinuing monthly food assistance for approximately 500,000 Palestinians due to severe funding shortfalls. This reduction decreases the total number of individuals receiving WFP support in the territory from 1.6 million to 1.1 million. The aid cuts also include a halving of food rations, reduced cash assistance for 75,000 families, and a decrease in daily hot meals provided, impacting vulnerable populations as winter approaches.

The decision comes at a critical time when an estimated 1.4 million people in Gaza, or two-thirds of the population, are already facing crisis levels of food insecurity or worse, with about 200,000 experiencing emergency conditions. While there had been fragile improvements in food security since a ceasefire in October 2025, humanitarian officials warn that these new cuts could reverse any gains made.

The WFP has stated an urgent need for $450 million over the next six months to maintain its critical operations in both Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The agency is appealing for immediate international support to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, which is already characterized by a lack of shelter, basic services, and security.