Head of US-backed Gaza aid program resigns citing humanitarian, impartiality concerns
Jake Wood, the head of a new aid distribution program for Gaza backed by the US and 'Israel', resigned after just weeks on the job, highlighting deep concerns over the group’s impartiality and urging 'Israel' to allow more humanitarian aid into the blockaded enclave.
Wood, a US military veteran and founder of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), announced his departure on Monday, citing the inability to implement the program while fully respecting humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality.
“I am proud of the work I 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,” Wood said in his resignation statement. “However, it is 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.”
The GHF, launched publicly by the US in early May and based in Geneva, is designed to operate a tightly controlled aid delivery system inside Gaza, with plans to distribute 300 million meals within its first 90 days. The program aims to run four distribution sites in southern and central Gaza, approved by 'Israel' and the US, to prevent aid from falling into the hands of Hamas.
However, the group has faced strong criticism from the United Nations and established aid agencies, which refuse to cooperate, warning that the initiative risks further displacing Palestinians and endangering civilians. The UN also expressed concern that limiting distribution sites to southern and central Gaza might encourage 'Israel’s' stated goal of forcing residents out of northern Gaza.
Despite Wood’s resignation, the GHF issued a statement expressing disappointment and criticized opponents for focusing more on undermining the effort than on delivering aid. The organization confirmed that it plans to begin deliveries on Monday, with trucks “loaded and ready to go,” and intends to scale up operations rapidly to feed the entire population in the coming weeks.
Wood urged 'Israel' to expand aid access through all possible channels without delay, diversion, or discrimination, and called on all stakeholders to explore innovative methods for delivering aid.
“I am horrified and heartbroken at the hunger crisis in Gaza,” Wood said. “I am compelled to do whatever I can to help alleviate the suffering.”
The GHF’s aid is expected to cover roughly 60 percent of Gaza’s population initially. A private American security contractor will guard aid trucks traveling from the Gaza border to distribution sites but will not be involved in handing out aid to civilians.
Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis amid a strict 'Israeli' blockade, with widespread starvation and shortages of food and medicine. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 58 deaths from malnutrition and 242 deaths linked to shortages of essential supplies have been recorded since March. The ministry also reported over 300 miscarriages attributed to nutritional deficiencies.
Last week, 'Israel' announced it would allow a “basic amount of food” into Gaza due to what it called an “operational need” as its military offensive, named “Gideon’s Chariots,” continues. The 'Israeli' Prime Minister’s Office warned that the hunger crisis could jeopardize the campaign, which it says aims to defeat Hamas.
Wood’s resignation leaves the future of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation uncertain, underscoring the challenges of delivering aid in a deeply polarized and volatile environment.
