WFP warns funding cuts deepen Syria’s food insecurity crisis
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The World Food Program (WFP) on Sunday warned that severe funding shortfalls have forced it to halve its food assistance operations in Syria, as 7.1 million people across the country face acute food insecurity.
The agency said that its assistance has been reduced from 1.3 million to 650,000 people, while its operational coverage has been cut from 14 governorates to seven.
WFP described the situation in Syria as a “critical turning point,” warning that reduced humanitarian assistance is placing additional pressure on vulnerable households already struggling with displacement, rising prices and prolonged economic hardship.
The cuts come as bread prices have risen by more than 18 percent following the withdrawal of subsidy support, according to WFP.
The agency warned that the reduction in emergency food assistance is increasing pressure on both households and local markets, potentially worsening tensions within communities and undermining social cohesion during Syria’s fragile transition.
Millions of Syrians continue to face the effects of years of conflict, displacement and economic decline, with food insecurity remaining one of the country’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
The WFP added that it urgently requires $200 million by the end of 2026 to restore vital food assistance to 1.3 million vulnerable people affected by food insecurity, displacement and economic hardship.
The funding would also help sustain nutrition programs, protect livelihoods and maintain support for national social protection interventions, the agency noted.
Without additional funding, WFP warned that it will be unable to restore assistance at a time when millions of Syrians remain vulnerable to worsening food insecurity and economic shocks.