World Food Programme reduces aid recipients in West Bank by half amid funding crisis

RAMALLAH — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has implemented a 50 percent reduction in food aid recipients across the occupied West Bank, driven by critical funding constraints from international donors.

The cuts compound a severe humanitarian and economic crisis in the territory, where approximately 900,000 people are currently experiencing food insecurity. According to quarterly food security analysis by the WFP, 76 percent of Palestinian households in the West Bank have experienced a significant decline in income, while 12 percent of the population suffers from poor food consumption and one-third of households can no longer afford a healthy diet.

The aid contraction follows broader systemic pressures on the Palestinian economy since late 2023. Israel stopped issuing work permits to tens of thousands of Palestinians previously employed inside Israel and illegal settlements in October 2023. Additionally, the Israeli government has completely withheld customs revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority since May 2025, leaving the administration unable to pay public sector salaries. Restrictions on non-governmental organisations have further strained relief networks, including the suspension of registration for 37 international organisations and the closure of local groups.

Military operations have also displaced thousands of residents from refugee camps in the northern West Bank, such as Tulkarem and Nur Shams, since 2023.

Despite the reductions, the WFP continues to provide assistance to 200,000 Palestinians in the West Bank through partners, utilising cash transfers, food vouchers, direct food supplies, livelihood programmes, and nutritional services.

The agency noted that the cessation of aid reflects broad funding limitations rather than individual beneficiary eligibility. The WFP indicated that aid could potentially be reinstated for some recipients if funding circumstances change, with notifications sent via text message.