The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has reduced food assistance in the Gaza Strip because of a severe funding shortage, leaving approximately 500,000 people without the support they previously received. The agency announced the cuts on October 19, warning that the situation remains fragile as winter approaches.
According to the WFP, the number of people receiving its food and cash assistance in Gaza has fallen from around 1.6 million in September to 1.1 million in October. The agency says it needs an additional $450 million to maintain critical operations in Gaza and the West Bank from October 2026 through March 2027.
Why Has Food Assistance Been Reduced
The WFP says its operations are facing a serious funding gap. The agency received less than half as much funding for its Palestine operation in 2026 as in previous years, forcing it to reduce the number of people it can support.
Humanitarian food programmes rely on funding from governments and other donors to purchase food, transport supplies, support distribution networks and provide assistance to families who cannot afford enough to eat.
When funding falls short, aid organisations may have to prioritise people considered most vulnerable. This can mean reducing the number of recipients or providing smaller food parcels, even when the wider population continues to face significant needs.
How the Cuts Affect Families in Gaza
The reductions affect both food parcels and prepared meals. The WFP says families receiving food assistance will now receive one food parcel instead of two, together with a smaller quantity of wheat flour.
The number of hot meals provided daily has also fallen from approximately 250,000 to 150,000. In hard-to-reach areas, some families will receive a hot meal every other day rather than every day.
The agency has also reduced the value of cash assistance for 75,000 families. Cash support can help households purchase essential items when markets are functioning and goods are available, but its effectiveness depends on affordability and access to supplies.
Food Insecurity Remains a Serious Concern
In its October 19 update, the WFP estimated that around 1.4 million people, representing 67% of Gaza's population, were experiencing acute food insecurity at crisis level or worse.
Of that number, approximately 200,000 people were facing emergency-level food insecurity. The agency warned that recent improvements remain fragile and could be reversed if humanitarian assistance continues to decline.
Food insecurity does not simply mean that a household has no food at all. It can also mean that families cannot consistently obtain enough nutritious food, have to skip meals or rely on a limited range of affordable staples.
What Support Is Still Available
Despite the cuts, the WFP says it is continuing several programmes in Gaza. These include support for bakeries that supply around one-third of the territory's bread needs, nutrition assistance for approximately 300,000 women and children, and healthy school snacks for about 200,000 children.
These services are important because access to food affects health, child development and the ability of families to recover from prolonged disruption. Nutrition programmes are particularly significant for young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, who can face additional risks when diets are inadequate.
The West Bank Is Also Facing Aid Reductions
The funding shortage is affecting humanitarian operations beyond Gaza. The WFP reported that the number of people receiving its assistance in the West Bank fell from 400,000 to 200,000 in September.
The agency has warned that it needs additional resources to continue supporting vulnerable households in both areas. The wider situation is shaped by economic hardship, restricted livelihoods, displacement and continuing insecurity.
Why the Next Six Months Matter
The WFP is seeking $450 million to maintain critical operations in Gaza and the West Bank through March 2027. Additional funding could help restore assistance, but the final outcome will depend on how much money is secured and how effectively aid can be delivered.
Reliable humanitarian access is also essential. Funding alone cannot ensure that food reaches every household if transport, distribution, infrastructure or security conditions create obstacles.
Governments, donors and humanitarian organisations will therefore need to consider both financial support and the practical conditions required to deliver food safely and consistently.
Conclusion
The latest WFP cuts highlight the consequences of a funding shortage in a region where many families continue to depend on humanitarian assistance. Around 500,000 people in Gaza have lost access to the agency's previous level of support, while food insecurity remains widespread.
The next few months will be important for determining whether funding can be restored and essential food programmes maintained. For families facing shortages, consistent access to food, clean water, healthcare and safe shelter remains critical.
Editorial note: Figures in this report are based on the WFP update published on October 19, 2026. The number of people receiving assistance and the funding position may change as new information becomes available.