**Head of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Resigns, Citing Concerns Over Aid Distribution**
The head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Jake Wood, has resigned from his position, citing concerns that the organization’s aid distribution plan does not adhere to humanitarian principles. Wood, a former US Marine, had been leading the GHF’s efforts since February.
In his resignation letter, Wood stated that he was “proud” of the work he had overseen, but that it was clear that implementing the plan while adhering to principles such as neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity would not be possible. The GHF’s plan involves private contractors delivering aid through Israel-designated distribution centers in southern Gaza.
The United Nations has criticized the plan, saying it will limit aid to one area of Gaza and use “starvation as a bargaining tool.” UN aid chief Tom Fletcher warned that the plan could lead to further displacements and make it harder for people to access aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) also warned that Gaza’s population is on the brink of starvation due to malnutrition.
The GHF responded to Wood’s resignation by saying it would not be deterred and would begin delivering assistance on Monday, aiming to reach a million Palestinians by week’s end. However, critics have raised concerns about the organization’s funding, origins, and backing, with some suggesting that it was conceived in Israel by Israeli officials and military personnel.
**Concerns Over Aid Distribution**
One of the main concerns is how the most vulnerable people, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who are sick or injured, will be able to collect aid. The GHF’s plan requires that Palestinians collect boxes weighing no more than 20kg from designated distribution points, but it is not clear how this will work for those who are unable to do so.
Jonathan Crickx, a spokesperson for the UN Children’s Fund, responded to the plan by saying: “How can a mother with four children who has lost her spouse carry 20kg to her makeshift camp, which is sometimes several kilometers away?” This highlights the difficulties that many people in Gaza will face when trying to access aid.
**Background**
The GHF was set up as part of a controversial Israel-backed program to distribute aid to Gaza. The plan was designed to eliminate Gaza’s dependency on Hamas, but critics have argued that it will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Israel lifted an 11-week ban on all food, fuel, and medicine entering Gaza last week, but the UN said it was only a “drop of water in the ocean” compared to what is needed. The WFP warned that Gaza’s population is on the brink of starvation due to malnutrition.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the GHF will proceed with its aid distribution plan and whether it will be able to address the concerns raised by critics.
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