Displaced Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are facing escalating hunger after the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to halve its food assistance for the region due to critical funding constraints. The cuts, which officially began in September, have left thousands of families, already struggling after displacement from their homes due to Israeli military operations, without essential food supplies.

Fawza Awad, a 75-year-old widow living in Tulkarem, exemplifies the growing crisis. Displaced in January 2025 from the Tulkarem refugee camp following an Israeli military operation, she and her family now shelter in an unfinished house. Previously, they relied on limited assistance from the WFP, but this aid ceased five months ago, well before the official announcement of cuts.

The WFP confirmed to Al Jazeera that the reduction in food aid recipients in the occupied West Bank is a direct result of "critical funding constraints" stemming from decreased international funding. This comes at a time when food needs have more than doubled since 2023, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and increased attacks in the West Bank. The WFP noted that approximately 900,000 people in the West Bank are currently experiencing food insecurity.

Awad's situation is dire. Her former home was reportedly demolished by the Israeli army to make way for military vehicles, preventing any return. Adding to the family's hardship, one son has been detained by Israel since 2024, and her other sons, formerly employed in Israel, are now unemployed. Awad also struggles with chronic health conditions, requiring medication that she can no longer afford.

The WFP's decision to reduce aid highlights a widening gap between the escalating needs of vulnerable populations and the available resources. The agency has cited reduced contributions from international donors as the primary reason for the shortfall, impacting its ability to reach all those in need.

This reduction in essential aid comes amid a backdrop of increased displacement and economic hardship in the West Bank. Many families have lost their livelihoods and homes due to military operations and settler violence, making them heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance.

The long-term implications of these cuts are significant, potentially leading to widespread malnutrition and further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Experts warn that without sustained international support, the WFP may be forced to make further reductions, deepening the suffering of those already displaced and vulnerable.

Questions remain about the future of WFP operations in the West Bank and the potential for securing additional funding to meet the growing demand for food assistance. The agency's ability to continue providing vital support hinges on renewed commitments from international donors.