WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jake Wood, the executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has resigned from his position, citing an inability to fulfill the organization’s mission while upholding the fundamental principles of humanitarian aid.
Wood, a former U.S. Marine and co-founder of the disaster response organization Team Rubicon, had been appointed to lead the newly formed GHF, which was launched as a U.S.- and Israeli-backed alternative to United Nations-led aid efforts in Gaza. In his resignation statement, issued May 25, he said, “I cannot remain in a position where humanitarian neutrality, independence, and impartiality are compromised. These principles are not optional—they are foundational.”
The GHF was created to expedite the delivery of food, water, and medical supplies to civilians in Gaza through a network of secure distribution hubs, primarily located in the southern part of the territory. These sites have been protected by private U.S. contractors and Israeli military forces. However, critics argue that the system lacks transparency, excludes key international actors, and undermines the impartial delivery of aid.
Wood’s departure comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and growing criticism of the aid program’s structure. In the days following his resignation, Israeli military fire killed at least 27 Palestinians near an aid distribution site in Rafah. This marked the third such deadly incident in less than a week, as desperate civilians tried to access food and supplies in a chaotic and militarized environment.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the victims were civilians, many of them women and children. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces opened fire on crowds approaching the aid center. The Israeli Defense Forces stated that warning shots were fired at people straying from designated routes but did not confirm directly targeting civilians.
The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the growing reliance on militarized aid delivery. UN officials argue that the approach may be exacerbating humanitarian needs, displacing civilians, and violating international law. UN human rights chief Volker Türk described the recent attacks as potential war crimes and called for independent investigations.
Wood’s replacement, American evangelical leader Johnnie Moore, has pledged to scale up operations. He stated that the GHF aims to deliver food to over one million Gazans within the next week. Yet questions remain about whether such efforts can succeed without addressing the concerns that led to Wood’s resignation.
The situation has reignited debate within the international humanitarian community about how aid should be delivered in conflict zones. Critics of the GHF warn that bypassing established, neutral channels like the UN and the Red Cross risks politicizing aid and endangering those who rely on it most.
As the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue, Jake Wood’s resignation stands as a warning: in times of war, the integrity of humanitarian aid must be protected—not compromised.
