, Jake Wood, has resigned, citing concerns that the GHF group adhering to Humanitarian laws){kind=link}
The head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Jake Wood, has resigned, citing concerns that the organization’s aid delivery plan cannot adhere to humanitarian principles. The plan, backed by Israel and the US, involves private contractors distributing aid to Palestinians via Israel-designated sites. Critics argue that this approach could lead to further displacement and restrict aid to only one part of Gaza.
Wood stated, “It became clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon.” He expressed pride in the work he oversaw but felt compelled to prioritize humanitarian principles.
The GHF responded to Wood’s resignation, saying it would “not be deterred” and would begin delivering aid, aiming to reach one million Palestinians by the end of the week. The group accused critics of benefiting from the status quo and being “afraid that new, creative solutions to intractable problems might actually succeed.” They added, “Our trucks are loaded and ready to go.”
Criticism of the Plan
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher criticized the plan, stating it would force further displacement, restrict aid, and make “starvation a bargaining chip.” Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the GHF as “militarised, privatised, politicised” and not in conformity with neutrality.
The plan has also faced scrutiny over funding, origins, and backing. An investigation suggested the group may have been conceived by Israeli officials and military officers, along with partners in the Israeli business sector.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with at least 53,939 people, including at least 16,500 children, killed in Gaza since the Israeli military campaign began. The World Food Programme warned that Gaza’s entire population is “on the brink of starvation.”
In response to the plan, UN children’s fund spokesperson Jonathan Crick questioned how vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, would access aid, given the requirement to collect 20kg boxes of supplies from distribution points.