Palestinian cabinet warns of cut in Gaza relief funding

RAMALLAH — The Palestinian cabinet warned on Monday that aid cuts by international relief organisations in the Gaza Strip could have serious humanitarian consequences, according to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. The cabinet's statement was reported on 20 October 2026.

The most recent cut cited was a decision by the World Food Programme to stop aid to about 500,000 Palestinians in Gaza because of what it called a "funding shortage", according to the cabinet, as reported by WAFA, PNN and Nile News. The cabinet said the move threatens the continuity of the relief system and could worsen the situation of poor families, widows, orphans, the elderly and people with disabilities. It also warned of a higher risk of malnutrition among children and pregnant women.

The Minister of Social Development met the acting executive director of the World Food Programme, Carl Sekao, to brief him on the risks of halting support to needy families. The two sides discussed joint efforts to raise enough funding to meet needs in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, according to the reports.

The cabinet renewed its call on the United Nations and donor states to provide the funding needed to keep aid flowing. It also urged them to press Israel to open border crossings and allow humanitarian supplies to enter. It appealed to Arab and Islamic states and the international community for urgent financial and relief support.

In a separate briefing, the Minister of Public Works and Housing told the cabinet about shelter and rubble-removal work in Gaza. According to the minister, 23 shelter centres for displaced people have been prepared. About 700 reinforced plastic tents have been distributed to farmers. Around 800 partly damaged housing units have been repaired so families can return home, and work is under way on about 1,000 more with the United Nations Development Programme. The cabinet praised the government teams working in Gaza and repeated its call for all parties to make their work easier.

The cabinet also warned about a rise in attacks and thefts by settlers during the olive harvest. According to the cabinet, more than 350 attacks have been documented since the season began. The victims included Palestinians, foreign solidarity activists and diplomatic missions. The cabinet described the attacks as part of a systematic policy targeting Palestinians, their land and their property.

The Minister of Agriculture told the cabinet that about 50% of the olive crop has been picked despite the attacks and obstacles, the cabinet said. A national olive-picking campaign is continuing with civil, security and volunteer institutions and foreign activists. The cabinet also directed the relevant bodies to tighten inspection of the olive oil market and to hold accountable anyone who tampers with public health standards.

On the financial side, the Minister of Finance briefed the cabinet on efforts to pay a salary instalment to public employees next week. The ministry is to issue a statement once the financial and technical arrangements are complete. The cabinet said Israel has withheld Palestinian tax revenues in full for more than a year and a half. According to the cabinet, those revenues make up 68% of total public revenue. The reports did not say whether the salary payment has been confirmed.

Other decisions included approving recommendations on public transport costs, a national framework for place names and geographic boundaries, and a first reading of a draft amended scheme to encourage investment in renewable energy. The cabinet said the scheme aims to raise clean energy use to 30% by 2030.

Background

The cabinet's warning comes as several international aid agencies have reduced or ended programmes in Gaza. The reports describe the funding shortfall as the reason for the World Food Programme's decision. The reports did not give details on when the aid halt takes effect or how the agency responded to the cabinet's statement.

The Palestinian Authority has faced a financial crisis, according to the cabinet's statement, because Israel has held back tax revenues that fund public salaries and services. The cabinet said that situation has lasted for more than a year and a half.