As winter approaches in Gaza, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that funding shortages are forcing it to make reductions to food assistance at one of the most critical periods of the year.

According to the agency, around half a million people are set to lose their monthly food aid entirely. Daily hot meal distributions will be slashed from 250,000 to 150,000, while some families in hard-to-reach areas will now receive food every other day instead of every day. The cuts threaten to deepen suffering among a population already enduring displacement, poverty, and the devastating effects of Israeli bombardment.

Claire Nevil, Head of Communications at WFP Palestine, described the situation as “extremely concerning” in a report by CGTN.

“This is happening at a time when families are entering the winter season in Gaza, which can be particularly harsh,” she said. Cold weather, rain, and inadequate shelter make the winter months especially dangerous for vulnerable families, many of whom have been displaced from their homes.

The WFP has been critical for providing food to around 1.6 million people across Gaza every month. That support includes hot meals, food parcels, cash assistance, nutritious snacks in schools, and early recovery activities. These programs have helped sustain thousands of families amid widespread food insecurity and collapsing local food systems.

Now, precisely when needs are greatest, that lifeline is being cut back. The agency warns that without urgent funding, the consequences could be catastrophic for hundreds of thousands of people, especially children, the elderly, and those in isolated areas with no other access to food.

The WFP is calling on the international community to step forward with immediate financial support to restore and maintain assistance. As winter descends on Gaza, the window to act is closing fast.