US military veteran Jake Wood has resigned as interim executive director of the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). He was in the post for only a few weeks until his resignation. His departure raises deep questions about the future independence of the foundation itself. It further raises serious doubts about the quality and effectiveness of that aid in the besieged territory.
In early May, the US government formally announced the Global Hedging Facility, or GHF. Wood was ‘taking the lead to focus on creating a new, very tightly controlled delivery mechanism through which aid could flow into Gaza. His commitment during his short time to creating a robust humanitarian international was strong. He insisted on its independence and made sure it would adhere to key humanitarian principles.
In a statement addressing his resignation, Wood emphasized his determination to establish GHF “as a truly independent humanitarian entity.” He emphasized the disconnect he experienced trying to match the organization’s lofty goals with its functional on-the-ground realities.
“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,” – Jake Wood
The GHF has come under fire from a variety of sectors, including the United Nations. The UN has condemned the organization’s actions, saying the UN’s continued approach will only further displace Palestinians and endanger civilians in an already precarious situation. To be clear, this is not a condemnation of GHF or of all private sector actors. They should be concerned about how much GHF advances US and Israeli interests.
In a positive recent step, Israel approved the entry of 107 aid trucks into Gaza this past Sunday. But humanitarian experts say this amount is wildly inadequate. Most importantly, it doesn’t come close to meeting the needs necessary to undo the desperate circumstances residents are currently living under. Gaza currently needs 500-600 truckloads per day just to prevent a further deterioration of an already desperate humanitarian crisis, according to UN reports.
As conditions continue to change in Gaza, the effects of widely reported shortages are starting to take a visible toll. The deficiency of these vital nutrients has led to at least 300 miscarriages due to food insecurity. Though we cannot speak for them, voices from within Gaza underscore the urgency of this crisis. As Ahmad Al-Banna put it, “There are starving people walking in the streets. Asmaa Al-Kafarneh said of the nightmarish situation that no one but children should endure such suffering. She said, “If we don’t get killed by Israeli airstrikes, we’ll die from starvation.”
GHF plans to establish four of these distribution sites in southern and central Gaza before the end of May. Both Israel and the US have formally adopted the plan. During the initial weeks of operation, the foundation will only be able to feed about 60% of Gaza’s residents. An American private security contractor now engages GHF’s aid trucks. They’ll provide the safe passage needed as the trucks proceed from the Gaza border to the UNRWA distribution centers throughout Gaza.
Wood’s resignation invites even more suspicion that something is really, really wrong with GHF’s secretive, cult-like, and untransparent strategy for delivering aid. He did not mince words in his opposition to all steps that seek to carry out violent acts of ethnic cleansing against Palestinian communities.
“I unequivocally… will not be a part of anything that forcibly dislocates or displaces the Palestinian population,” – Jake Wood
Following his resignation, Wood became an outspoken proponent for Israel to dramatically increase its aid offerings. He urged all partners to rapidly test new ways to deliver aid faster and fairly without discrimination. He emphasized that addressing the humanitarian needs of Gaza is essential and an urgent priority.
“I urge Israel to significantly expand the provision of aid into Gaza through all mechanisms, and I urge all stakeholders to continue to explore innovative new methods for the delivery of aid, without delay, diversion, or discrimination,” – Jake Wood
