Famine threatens people across Gaza  as violence intensifies, border crossings remain closed and food is dangerously scarce.  

Hunger and malnutrition have surged drastically since all aid was blocked from entering the Gaza Strip on 2 March, reversing humanitarian gains seen during the ceasefire in early 2025.  

Since the limited resumption of humanitarian assistance into Gaza on 19 May, the World Food Programme (WFP) has only been able to bring in small amounts of life-saving food and aid.  

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) – the global standard for measuring food insecurity – indicates that  470,000 people are facing catastrophic hunger. The entire population is experiencing acute food insecurity.

An alarming  71,000 children and more than 17,000 mothers will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition.

While our warehouses across the Gaza Strip are empty, more than 116,000 metric tons of food assistance – enough to feed 1 million people for up to 4 months – is ready to be brought into Gaza if the blockade is lifted.

There is deep concern over escalating violence and movement restrictions in the West Bank, which are severely disrupting markets, livelihoods and food security. More than 40,000 people have been displaced since mid-January 2025. We are prioritizing food vouchers and cash assistance to sustain the economy and maintain food security.

WFP urges all parties to prioritize the needs of civilians and allow aid to enter Gaza immediately, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. 

What the World Food Programme is doing to respond to the Palestinian emergency

Food and cash assistance
WFP depleted its last food stocks to support hot meals kitchens for families on 25 April. A week earlier, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries closed as wheat flour and cooking fuel ran out. The same week, WFP food parcels for families – with two weeks of food rations - were exhausted. In the West Bank, WFP is providing monthly cash vouchers to more than 190,500 people.
Recovery
When conditions allow, WFP will transition to recovery-focused initiatives, including restoring markets, supporting livelihoods, rebuilding food systems, and expanding school meals, guided by ongoing assessments and partnerships.
Logistics
WFP has the logistics capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza and the West Bank. We are ready to send up to 30,000 metric tons of food each month into Gaza, including food parcels, wheat flour, commodities for hot meals, and nutrition support.

How you can help

Please donate today and help life-saving support reach those families who need it the most.
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