Republic of Korea provides USD 5 million for food assistance in Palestine

Under the second phase of the Republic of Korea's Responding with Emergency Assistance for Conflict-affected Households (REACH) initiative, USD 4 million will provide digital cash assistance through e-wallets to nearly 45,000 people in Gaza. A further USD 1 million will provide electronic food vouchers to 56,000 people in the West Bank, giving families greater flexibility to buy food and other essentials according to their most urgent needs.

The contribution comes as hunger remains widespread in Palestine. In Gaza, two-thirds of the population remain acutely food-insecure despite recent improvements, which are largely the result of sustained humanitarian assistance rather than the recovery of livelihoods, markets and local food systems.

In the West Bank, the number of food-insecure people is estimated to have doubled since 2023. An estimated 900,000 people, or 26 percent of the population, now require food assistance, as rising unemployment, displacement, violence and the loss of livelihoods make it increasingly difficult for families to cover their basic needs. According to recent WFP assessments, food insecurity has increased amid rising insecurity, an economic downturn, high unemployment and declining household purchasing power.

"For families facing hunger across Gaza and the West Bank, timely and flexible assistance can make the difference between meeting their most basic needs and going without," said Shaun Hughes, WFP Country Director for Palestine. "The Republic of Korea's continued partnership will help WFP support 100,000 people with the choice and dignity to provide for their families."

The new contribution builds on USD 15 million provided during the first phase of the REACH initiative. That funding enabled WFP to assist over 620,000 people in Gaza with wheat flour and bread as well as digital cash assistance, and nearly 130,000 people in the West Bank with electronic food vouchers.

"The first phase of REACH reflected a strong partnership between the Republic of Korea and WFP, delivering timely and much-needed food support to the people of Gaza and the West Bank." said Young K. Koh, Head of the Representative Office of the Republic of Korea to Palestine. "We are pleased to continue this partnership through the second phase, extending support to the people of Gaza and the West Bank at a time when WFP faces significant funding constraints."

Through the two phases of the REACH initiative, the Republic of Korea has provided USD 20 million to WFP's operations in Palestine, enabling the agency to deliver food and cash-based assistance to around 850,000 people in Gaza and the West Bank. This sustained partnership has helped WFP adapt its assistance as needs evolve and support families in accessing food and other essentials.

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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 weather extremes.

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