Gaza: WFP cuts monthly assistance by 500,000 recipients
The World Food Programme said on 19 October 2026 that funding shortages are forcing cuts to monthly assistance in Gaza. About 500,000 people lose support while needs remain high.
WFP figures reported by Petra put the number of monthly recipients at 1.1 million, down from 1.6 million. The reduction reflects insufficient resources rather than a sufficient improvement in food conditions.
Speaking to the ABC after visiting Gaza, acting executive director Carl Skau warned about cuts as winter approaches. The ABC reports that some families receive one parcel instead of two, while meals in hard-to-reach areas shift from daily provision to every other day.
In a separate AFP interview carried by Arabic-language Euronews, WFP Palestine country director Shaun Hughes confirmed that half a million recipients were being removed. The programme also plans to reduce daily hot meals from 250,000 to 150,000.