US-backed Gaza aid group chief resigns, vowing not to compromise on principles

The head of a U.S.-backed private humanitarian group tasked with delivering aid in Gaza under an Israeli-devised strategy, on Monday, May 26, stepped down, stating that he will never compromise on principles.

According to The Guardian, Jake Wood mentioned that the operation cannot be executed in line with core humanitarian principles.

Wood, executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), announced his resignation on Sunday, casting doubt on the future viability of the aid initiative.

GHF, which has been headquartered in Geneva since February, was created with the ambitious goal of distributing 300 million meals within its first 90 days.

However, major international humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have refused to cooperate with the Foundation.

They argue the plan violates essential humanitarian values and may contravene international law.

The GHF emerged as a response to growing global scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched after the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023.

The situation remains dire.

On Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit a school sheltering displaced civilians, reportedly killing at least 20 people and injuring many more, according to local Gaza authorities.

In his resignation statement, Wood explained that he was invited to lead GHF two months ago due to his background in humanitarian work.

“Like many others, I was devastated by the hunger crisis in Gaza,” he said.

“As a humanitarian, I felt morally obligated to do what I could to reduce the suffering.”

Wood emphasized that he was proud of the contributions he made during his tenure.

These, according to him, include:

• the development of a plan that aimed to feed people in need,
• address concerns about the diversion of aid, and,
• support the work of well-established NGOs already operating in Gaza.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that as the operation developed, it became evident that implementing the plan  was not possible.

According to him, this was if the plan is implemented while fully upholding the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence

“I cannot and will not abandon those principles,” he stated.

Despite Wood’s resignation, the Foundation’s board issued a statement expressing regret but reaffirming their commitment to moving forward.

“Our trucks are loaded and ready,” the board said, pledging that GHF would begin direct aid delivery in Gaza starting Monday.

Its goal will be to reach over one million Palestinians by the week’s end.

The U.S. State Department reiterated its support for GHF’s mission, stating it still backed the Foundation’s plans to start aid distribution soon.

Wood’s resignation coincided with a weekend of intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza.

According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 38 people were killed over a 24-hour period.

Israel has escalated its military operations since early May.

It claims its objective is to dismantle Hamas’ military and administrative infrastructure and to rescue remaining hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.

In response to growing global demands, Israel has agreed to ease some restrictions on aid deliveries.

However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that Israel still intends to maintain full control over Gaza.

In his closing remarks, Wood urged Israel to “substantially increase aid access into Gaza through all possible means.”

He also encouraged all involved parties to continue seeking innovative and effective ways to provide assistance.

He encouraged them to come up with methods that ensure there is no delay, misappropriation, or discrimination in distribution.

Critics, including UN officials, have expressed deep concerns over the aid model championed by GHF and Israel.

They argue it could lead to forced displacement and exacerbate violence.

The aid plan, originally scheduled to launch by the end of May, bypasses traditional distribution channels used for decades, such as the UN and long-standing NGOs.

Instead, it relies on private companies to deliver aid to select “secure distribution points” located in southern Gaza.

Under the plan, heads of households are expected to travel to these points to collect aid packages weighing around 20 kilograms, which include several days’ worth of food and hygiene items.

However, critics warn this model fails to consider the physical limitations of the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, disabled, sick, and children.

UNICEF spokesperson Jonathan Crickx voiced alarm over the plan.

“How can a widow with four children carry 20 kilograms across a devastated landscape back to a tent several kilometers away?” he asked.

“This approach could severely disadvantage those most in need, orphans, the wounded, and the malnourished, by making aid effectively inaccessible to them.”

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