“The support provided by the Norwegian government amounting to $2.9 million will contribute to the continued provision of food aid to Palestinian families in need,” the World Food Program said.

The Director of the World Food Program in Palestine, Samer Abdel Jaber, explained in a press statement today, Wednesday, that this amount will include providing food aid to about 20,000 citizens in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, for a period of 12 months.

He added that Norway's contribution comes at an exceptional period when the program is suffering from a funding crisis that may force it to make difficult choices.

Abdul Jaber stressed that the severe funding shortfall that the World Food Program is suffering from will limit its ability to provide food assistance, and it may be forced to completely stop its operations by next November.

For his part, Norway's representative to the State of Palestine, Torun Vest, said that increasing poverty, stagnation, and limited access to job opportunities and basic food supplies are major challenges specific to Gaza.

He stressed that the partnership with the World Food Program is important in preserving the lifeline of some families, including those headed by women.