UN World Food Programme Halves West Bank Aid Amid Funding Shortages

Palestine — Ekhbary News Agency

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced a drastic halving of its food assistance in the occupied West Bank, effective this month. This severe cut, impacting 200,000 vulnerable Palestinians, comes amidst escalating settler violence and Israeli military operations, which are significantly driving up humanitarian needs in the region. Plainly put, funding shortfalls have forced the agency to scale back crucial support.

Aid Reduction Amidst Rising Needs

Previously, the WFP provided food, vouchers, and cash to 400,000 individuals, primarily in rural areas and the southern parts of the West Bank, including communities like Hebron. Shaun Hughes, WFP Country Director for Palestine, articulated the gravity of the situation during a Geneva press briefing. He stated, "Right now, we should be scaling up our assistance in the West Bank, not cutting these vital lifelines." Movement restrictions, demolitions, and widespread displacement have severely eroded Palestinian livelihoods, directly contributing to increased food insecurity.

Broader Context and Funding Challenges

Foreign aid contributions from major Western donors, including the United States, have sharply declined since last year, as these nations prioritize domestic spending and defense. This reduction in international support exacerbates an already dire situation, particularly as violence and land seizures by militant Jewish settlers have intensified over the past three years since the October 7 attacks. While humanitarians once viewed the West Bank primarily as a human rights crisis, Hughes now confirms it is rapidly becoming a food crisis due to mounting pressures. The dire situation underscores the urgent need for sustained international support to prevent further humanitarian deterioration. WFP also warned of further unavoidable cuts in Gaza, where it supports 1.5 million people, unless additional funding is secured.