WFP says Gaza operations are ongoing but reduced rations, access and logistics constrain assistance

A World Food Programme official told reporters that WFP remains operational in the Gaza Strip but that assistance is constrained by access and logistics: "WFP has been providing assistance in Gaza...we are providing general food assistance to 195,000 people in Gaza at 75% rations," the official said during the briefing.

The respondent added that WFP is producing more than 200,000 hot meals daily, supporting 28 bakeries with wheat flour and fuel and has provided additional fuel to five bakeries to sustain bread production. WFP also reported reaching almost 70,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women and girls, and children under five, with malnutrition treatment.

Agency officials warned that outcomes improve markedly when access is available and deteriorate quickly when it is not. A questioner asked why the Rafah crossing remained closed; the respondent said they did not have an immediate explanation for Rafah's status and that specifics on staff counts and daily truck flows would need to be provided later.

Why it matters: the briefing used Gaza as a clear example of how access volatility and higher logistics costs can translate into reduced rations and fewer people reached. In the public Q&A, presenters also explained that disruptions to global shipping lanes and increased transport, fuel and fertilizer costs can quickly raise food prices and make humanitarian operations more expensive.

Next steps: reporters were told WFP would provide more detailed footprint figures on request; agencies urged donors to fund operations and for parties to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access so assistance can reach people in need.