The head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Jake Wood, has resigned, citing an inability to uphold core humanitarian principles in the organisation’s controversial aid delivery plan backed by Israel and the United States.
Wood, a former US Marine known for his work in humanitarian operations, stepped down late Sunday, expressing disillusionment with the foundation’s ability to maintain the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
“Two months ago, I was approached about leading GHF’s efforts because of my experience,” Wood said in a statement. “But it has become clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while strictly adhering to humanitarian principles, which I will not abandon.”
Some aid trucks have entered Gaza in recent days, after Israel eased an 11-week blockade. PHOTO/COURTESY
The GHF was established to distribute aid in Gaza via Israel-approved delivery points, relying on private contractors. The plan has faced widespread criticism from the United Nations and other aid agencies, which argue it will marginalize the most vulnerable and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Under the proposed system, Palestinians would collect 20kg aid boxes from four distribution centres in southern Gaza, a method critics say excludes the elderly, wounded, disabled, and those unable to travel. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher warned the plan risks increasing displacement and weaponizing starvation.
The GHF, however, responded defiantly to Wood’s departure, stating, “We will not be deterred. Our trucks are loaded and ready to go.” The foundation pledged to begin aid distribution Monday, aiming to reach one million people by week’s end.
Despite this, questions remain over the group’s transparency and origins. A recent New York Times investigation suggested the GHF may have been conceived by Israeli officials, military officers, and private sector partners, raising alarms over its neutrality.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, criticized the initiative as “militarised, privatised, and politicised,” adding, “The people behind it are ex-CIA and military. Let’s return to the system that worked.”
The controversy comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Although Israel recently relaxed an 11-week blockade, the UN maintains the incoming aid is only a “drop in the ocean.” The World Food Programme has warned that Gaza’s population is “on the brink of starvation.”
Israel says the plan is intended to prevent aid diversion by Hamas, an accusation the group denies. Since Israel launched its military campaign following Hamas’s October 7th attack, over 53,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including at least 16,500 children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
As the first GHF distribution centres open, humanitarian agencies remain wary, stressing the need for neutral, inclusive, and coordinated aid delivery to a population in desperate need.
Written By Rodney Mbua
