The Government of Japan supports WFP food assistance operations in Gaza
East Jerusalem – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed US$10 million from the Government of Japan to provide wheat flour for more than 520,000 internally displaced people in Gaza inside and outside shelters.
This grant comes as part of Japan’s Emergency Grant Aid and brings its total contribution to WFP operations in Palestine since the onset of the Gaza crisis to US$21.3 million.
“We believe this contribution will meet people’s pressing food needs in Gaza, especially women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. WFP is on the ground to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, which is highly appreciated,” says H.E. Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs Representative of Japan to Palestine.
Humanitarian assistance is the only lifeline for hundreds of thousands of families in Gaza as the humanitarian crisis continues to intensify. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report findings show that the entire population of Gaza – 2.2 million people – faces high levels of food insecurity, and half the population – 1.1 million people – is experiencing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5).
“This assistance is lifesaving; it will help mothers provide their children with food and alleviate some of the concerns faced by families displaced multiple times. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the people of Japan,” says Matthew Hollingworth, Representative and Country Director of WFP Palestine ad interim. “The ongoing support from the Government of Japan is crucial to support efforts at preventing famine in Gaza.”
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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