According to a report by Reuters on October 19th, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) stated that due to financial shortages, the organization has been forced to significantly reduce its aid programs in Gaza. As a result, approximately 500,000 Palestinians will no longer receive monthly food assistance.
The World Food Program (WFP) said that it has reduced the number of people receiving monthly food aid in Gaza from 160,000 to 110,000.
In addition, the rationing of food has been halved, and cash assistance for 75,000 households has been reduced. The number of daily hot meals provided for people who cannot cook themselves has also been reduced from 250,000 to 150,000. For some households located in remote areas where supplies are difficult to get to, hot meals are now available only every other day.
According to data from the World Food Programme, about two-thirds of the population in Gaza, approximately 1.4 million people, are facing crisis-level or worse food insecurity. Of these, about 200,000 people are in a "emergency situation".
Last year, under the mediation of the United States, a cease-fire agreement was reached in Gaza. The agreement required the reconstruction of the area and also included provisions for the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, a year has passed, and the implementation of the agreement aimed at ending the conflict has made little progress. The humanitarian situation in the area remains severe.
During an interview with Reuters, Carl Skau, the acting executive director of WFP in Gaza, said: "A ceasefire was reached a year ago, but life here remains extremely difficult. There are no proper shelters, no basic public services, and no safety at all."
He pointed out that as aid is being cut, Gaza is facing its fourth winter since the conflict began. “I have experienced winters here, and they are extremely harsh.”
World Food Programme says it urgently needs US $450 million to sustain key assistance operations in the Gaza Strip and West Bank of Palestine for the next six months following the conflict.
Scott called on the international community to continue providing support. "This is not the time to stand by, but a time to increase support." He emphasized that the international community not only needs to maintain aid but also consolidate the progress made so far, while promoting early restoration work in Gaza.
