The World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a US$25 million commitment from Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) to support global hunger reduction efforts through a five-year partnership with World Food Program USA. The first US$5 million, already authorized, will immediately assist WFP’s rapidly scaling operations in Gaza following the ceasefire, providing hot meals and other essential, lifesaving resources to vulnerable populations. The announcement coincided with a visit to WFP headquarters in Rome, where leaders from IRUSA and World Food Program USA met with WFP officials to discuss the partnership and its urgent humanitarian objectives.
IRUSA CEO Ahmed Shehata highlighted that the partnership reflects shared humanitarian values and aims to strengthen food security while developing sustainable solutions to the global hunger crisis. He emphasized that the collaboration seeks to address the challenges faced by populations affected by conflict, natural disasters, and economic hardship, promoting peace and stability by combating chronic hunger.
Prior to the ceasefire, over half a million people in Gaza were experiencing famine-like conditions, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released in August 2025. Despite ongoing access and security challenges, WFP has continued delivering food assistance and is now rapidly scaling up operations. This includes restoring the regular food distribution network, increasing the number of supported bakeries, and expanding nutritional support for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
With more than six decades of experience operating in complex environments, including conflict zones, WFP is able to procure, transport, and deliver life-saving food assistance wherever it is needed most. Barron Segar, President and CEO of World Food Program USA, stressed the urgency of the global hunger crisis, noting that over 343 million people face life-threatening hunger daily due to armed conflict and climate emergencies. He emphasized that bold action and strategic partnerships are essential to making a world without hunger a reality.
Islamic Relief USA has a longstanding partnership with WFP and World Food Program USA, supporting disaster response efforts in Syria, Gaza, and Libya for over a decade. The new commitment reinforces the importance of partnerships between faith-based, philanthropic, and humanitarian organizations, especially as government funding for humanitarian aid declines, ensuring frontline workers can continue reaching those most in need and building community resilience worldwide.
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