Gaza faces worsening hunger as WFP announces food aid cuts

As of October 19, 2026, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced it would end monthly assistance to 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza due to severe funding shortages. The WFP had previously assisted about 1.6 million people but will now help only 1.1 million, still nearly half of Gaza's population. Additionally, food rations have been halved for the remaining recipients, with daily hot meals provided by community kitchens reducing from 250,000 to 150,000. The cuts come as winter approaches and at a time when two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.1 million population relies on food aid to survive, with nearly all displaced. WFP acting executive director Carl Skau expressed deep concern over the situation, particularly for vulnerable families who will lose access to crucial support during harsh weather conditions.