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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has significantly expanded its humanitarian assistance in Gaza, reaching more than 330,000 people with food aid in the first week following the ceasefire. This effort includes the distribution of food parcels, hot meals, and cash assistance to thousands of families affected by months of conflict.
WFP Country Director in Palestine, Antoine Renard, emphasized the urgency of sustaining the relief effort.
“The first week has brought hope, but it is still early days. We must keep up this momentum,” he stated. “With so many people now moving to reunite with their families in the north, it is essential that food aid reaches them wherever they are. WFP’s priority is to ensure assistance follows the people.”
Expanding Food Aid and Cash Support
Since the ceasefire took effect, WFP has delivered 10,130 metric tons of food into Gaza, using multiple entry points through Jordan, Israel, and Egypt. This has allowed families to receive larger food rations, including two food parcels and a 25-kg bag of wheat flour—significantly more than what had been available in previous months.
Additionally, WFP has provided nutritional support to 46,000 people, including young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
To help families rebuild their lives, WFP launched a cash assistance program, reaching 7,000 people on the first day and surpassing 32,000 recipients within a week. The goal is to support 30,000 families—equivalent to 150,000 people—within a month, enabling them to purchase essential supplies beyond food as they resettle.
Rebuilding Gaza’s Food Supply Chain
With an influx of fresh supplies, WFP has successfully revived Gaza’s bakery sector. Thirteen bakeries—eight restored and five newly opened—are now operational in the south, providing hot meals and ready-to-eat food for displaced families sheltering in emergency centers.
Aid Efforts Extend to the West Bank
Beyond Gaza, WFP is also responding to growing humanitarian needs in the West Bank. The organization is prepared to distribute food vouchers to 3,750 people in Jenin camp and provide cash assistance to 12,750 displaced households impacted by military operations.
A Long-Term Commitment
If the ceasefire holds, WFP aims to sustain its support for at least one million people in Gaza every month for the next three months. Sufficient food supplies have been pre-positioned at border crossings and are en route to ensure continuous aid delivery.
Source :WFP
