Director of Gaza aid organization resigns, saying he will not abandon ‘principles’

The head of a US-supported private humanitarian organization, responsible for delivering aid in Gaza under an Israeli-initiated plan, has stepped down, arguing that the operation could not achieve its objectives in a manner consistent with “humanitarian principles.”

Jake Wood announced his resignation in a statement issued by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), introducing new uncertainty regarding the future of the operation.

The foundation, which has been based in Geneva since February, has pledged to distribute 300 million meals within its initial 90 days of operation. However, the United Nations and conventional aid organizations have already said they will not collaborate with the group, expressing concerns that the so-called mission contravenes “fundamental humanitarian principles” and infringes upon international law.

This comes as international pressure mounts on Israel over the conditions in Gaza, where nearly 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023.

“Two months ago, I was approached about leading GHF’s efforts because of my experience in humanitarian operations,” Wood said in the statement.

“Like many others around the world, I was horrified and heartbroken at the hunger crisis in Gaza and, as a humanitarian leader, I was compelled to do whatever I could to help alleviate the suffering,” he continued.

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Israel

Wood stressed that he was proud of the work he oversaw, including "developing a pragmatic plan that could feed hungry people, address security concerns about diversion, and complement the work of longstanding NGOs in Gaza.”

But, he said, it had become “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.”

In a statement, the board of the foundation expressed its disappointment regarding Wood's departure; however, it pledged to remain undeterred in its attempts to connect with the entire population of Gaza in the upcoming weeks.

“Our trucks are loaded and ready to go,” it said, adding that the GHF would initiate direct aid distribution in Gaza from Monday, aiming to assist over one million Palestinians by the week's conclusion.

At least 53,939 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 122,797 individuals injured in the brutal Israeli military onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the besieged coastal territory.

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