GHF Begins Gaza Aid Amid Director's Resignation

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has begun distributing aid in Gaza following the resignation of its executive director, Jake Wood, who left citing the inability to maintain humanitarian principles under the new system. The distribution plan, endorsed by Israel and the US but rejected by the UN and major aid agencies, utilizes private contractors to deliver aid to designated hubs, sparking concerns over accessibility, potential forced displacement, and the undermining of humanitarian norms. Critics, including the United Nations, argue the system may weaponize aid and jeopardize the independence of relief efforts. Despite the controversy and Wood's resignation, GHF says it will continue operations, aiming to reach over one million Palestinians. Israel asserts the plan is necessary to prevent aid diversion by Hamas, which Hamas denies, while humanitarian organizations refuse to cooperate, calling the system dangerous and unworkable. The initiative unfolds amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and severe shortages of food and medicine in Gaza.