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.