The key facts

  • WFP is cutting the number of aid recipients in Gaza from 1.6 million to 1.1 million people due to a funding shortfall
  • $450 million is needed for six months to continue operations in Gaza and the West Bank
  • Zelensky said a batch of missiles is awaiting only the signature of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Food aid cuts in Gaza

The UN World Food Programme announced on October 19 a reduction of food aid in the Gaza Strip due to a lack of funds. The number of recipients of monthly assistance will be reduced from 1.6 million to 1.1 million people, leaving about 500,000 people without support.

Scale of the cuts

The cuts also affect other types of aid: food rations have been halved, cash assistance for 75,000 families has been reduced by 40%, and the number of hot meals for those unable to cook has dropped from 250,000 to 150,000. Some families in hard-to-reach areas now receive hot food once a day. The organization attributes the measures to a financial deficit: $450 million is urgently needed to continue key operations in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months.

Humanitarian situation

According to the UN agency, the risk of famine in the Strip persists: two-thirds of the population, that is 1.4 million people, are living at crisis levels of food insecurity, and about 200,000 are in an emergency situation. Despite the ceasefire brokered by the United States in October 2025, Israeli strikes continue and aid delivery remains limited.

Zelensky accuses US of delaying missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, during a meeting with American senators, accused the US administration of delaying deliveries of anti-aircraft missiles. According to him, a batch of missiles paid for by European allies is being held by the Pentagon and is awaiting only the signature of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He also noted that the transfer of Patriots from European countries to Kyiv depends on Washington's approval.

Context of strikes on energy infrastructure

The statements came against the backdrop of new Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Overnight into Monday, ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and its suburbs left more than half a million households without electricity. Zelensky again stressed that partners did not warn in advance about the missile strikes.