Funding shortfall forces WFP to end aid for 500,000 Gazans

The World Food Programme says funding shortfalls will force it to stop monthly assistance to 500,000 people in Gaza, leaving about 1.1 million receiving food or cash aid, often in reduced amounts. It is also cutting community-kitchen meals and reducing flour and food-ration distributions. WFP says it has received less than half the funding for its Palestinian operations compared with previous years and needs $450 million to sustain operations for the next six months. The cuts come as roughly two-thirds of Gaza’s population remains acutely food insecure, amid displacement and continuing violence. Although food markets are better stocked, widespread unemployment means many families cannot afford supplies, and aid recipients say current rations are already insufficient.