US-backed Gaza aid group starts deliveries despite executive director quitting

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed group with Israel’s approval, has begun distributing aid to the Gaza Strip, despite facing controversy and questions. The organization did not disclose the exact number of food trucks involved but stated that supplies had reached its hubs and were being distributed across the Strip. Additionally, GHF mentioned that more trucks were scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement confirming the establishment of four aid distribution centers in recent weeks, in accordance with directives from the political echelon and in close coordination with the United States. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesperson, emphasized that thousands of Gazans would have direct access to the aid through these distribution centers, aiming to prevent Hamas from exploiting the aid and the people of Gaza.

However, just before the aid distribution began, GHF faced a significant setback when its executive director, Jake Woods, resigned. Woods cited the organization’s failure to adhere to humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence as the reason for his departure. Despite this development, GHF pressed on with its distribution plan, receiving criticism for having armed contractors guard the aid hubs, which are located near Israeli military positions.

Woods urged Israel to expand aid provision to Gaza through various channels and called for the release of hostages by Hamas, cessation of hostilities, and a pathway to peace, security, and dignity in the region. The organization assured that the flow of supplies to Palestinians in Gaza would increase daily, with GHF insisting on its commitment to providing aid to those in need.

Despite Israel’s support for GHF, the United Nations and other aid groups have raised concerns about the organization’s independence and impartiality. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) labeled GHF as a distraction from essential aid operations needed to prevent famine and meet the needs of all civilians in Gaza.

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department and the Red Cross for comments, but responses were not immediately available. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, GHF faces scrutiny and challenges in ensuring the effective and unbiased distribution of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.