The sudden resignation of the executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation raises uncertainty about the organization’s future amid accusations of its ties to Israel
The director of a controversial US-backed humanitarian organization that was preparing to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip abruptly announced his resignation effective Sunday, deepening uncertainty about the future of the relief effort.
In a statement issued by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the organization’s executive director, Jake Wood, explained that he felt compelled to leave after realizing that the organization could not fulfill its mission while adhering to humanitarian principles.
The Geneva-based organization has pledged since February to distribute approximately 300 million meals during its first 90 days of operation, however, the United Nations and traditional aid agencies have announced they won’t cooperate with it amid accusations that the organization is cooperating with Israel.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation emerged at a time of mounting international pressure on Israel over the situation in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army launched a military offensive in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The comprehensive blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip for more than two months has begun to ease in recent days, with aid agencies warning of the growing risk of famine.
“Two months ago, I was approached about leading the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s efforts because of my experience in humanitarian operations,” Wood said in his statement.
“Like many around the world, I was horrified and heartbroken by the hunger crisis in Gaza, and as a humanitarian leader, I felt compelled to do everything I could to help alleviate the suffering,” he added.
Wood affirmed that he was “proud of the work I oversaw, including developing a practical plan that could feed the hungry, address security concerns regarding aid diversion, and complement the work of long-standing NGOs in Gaza”.
But he added, “It’s clear that this plan cannot be implemented with strict adherence to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I’ll not abandon”.
