Jerusalem

WFP provides a monthly cash-based transfer in the form of electronic food vouchers to 305,000 of the most food insecure Palestinians. Families will be able to buy nutritious food items that sustain their needs, including fresh dairy products, eggs, vegetables, and meat at 308 local retailers.

Germany’s top up contribution of €5 million will help to avert planned cuts in critical food assistance for 180,000 of the most vulnerable and food insecure Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in December 2022.

During a visit of beneficiaries of the WFP electronic food voucher program in Jericho, Oliver Owcza, Head of the German Representative Office stated: „We are pleased to extend our partnership with WFP in ensuring critical food assistance for up to 180.000 Palestinian families. This support comes along with full awareness, that it is only a political solution, that will pave the path for self-sustained Palestinians!“

Soaring food prices and worsening unemployment rates are contributing to the deterioration of food security of Palestinians, who continue to face longstanding access restrictions and the threat of violence and instability. For many families already struggling to recover from the dire impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Ukraine crisis has been devastating on their livelihoods and access to basic needs, including having a decent daily meal. Currently, 36 percent of the Palestinian population is food insecure – in Gaza, the percentage rises to two thirds of the population.

Germany is one of the largest donors to WFP globally and is WFP’s top donor in the Palestinian Territories with contributions totalling more than US$60 million since 2018.