WASHINGTON, May 26 — The head of a controversial US-funded organization tasked with delivering aid to Gaza has stepped down abruptly, casting fresh doubt over the initiative’s future.
WASHINGTON, May 26 — The head of a controversial US-funded organization tasked with delivering aid to Gaza has stepped down abruptly, casting fresh doubt over the initiative’s future.
Jake Wood, executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), announced his resignation Sunday, citing the group’s inability to operate in alignment with core “humanitarian principles.”
In a statement, Wood said he made the difficult decision after realizing that GHF could not fulfill its mission while upholding the values of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
Established in Geneva this February, GHF pledged to distribute 300 million meals within its first 90 days. However, the organization has faced criticism and distancing from the United Nations and traditional humanitarian agencies, who accuse the group of aligning too closely with Israel.
GHF was formed amid intensifying international pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where military operations have continued in response to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. A strict blockade imposed on the territory has only recently begun to ease.
“I accepted the role at GHF because of my background in humanitarian response and deep concern over the hunger crisis in Gaza,” said Wood. “I’m proud of the plans we created to feed people, address diversion risks, and support existing NGOs.”
However, he said, “It has become evident that those plans cannot be executed without compromising humanitarian principles — something I refuse to do.”
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 3,785 people have been killed since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18, bringing the total death toll to 53,939 — most of them civilians.
Hamas’s attack in October 2023 left 1,218 dead in Israel, also mostly civilians, and militants took 251 hostages, with 57 still held in Gaza and 34 believed dead, according to the Israeli military.
In his closing remarks, Wood urged Israel to “significantly increase aid access through all possible channels” and called on global stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to ensure aid reaches those in need without “delay, diversion, or discrimination.” — AFP
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