The resignation of the director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation deepens the mystery surrounding relief efforts in the Strip.

In a surprise move, Jake Wood, executive director of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, announced his resignation with immediate effect, casting doubt on the future of the relief efforts the organization was preparing to implement in the Gaza Strip.

Continuous coverage on the Arab48 website's Telegram channel.

In a statement issued by the Geneva-based foundation on Monday, Wood explained that his decision stemmed from his conviction that the organization was unable to accomplish its mission while fully adhering to "humanitarian principles," primarily neutrality, impartiality, and independence. He said, "It is clear that the relief plan we have prepared cannot be implemented without compromising these principles, which I will not compromise."

Since its launch in February, the organization has announced an ambitious plan to distribute approximately 300 million meals within its first 90 days of operation, amid the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. However, the United Nations and a number of international relief agencies have refused to cooperate with the organization, amid accusations that it coordinates closely with Israel, sparking widespread controversy over the credibility of its actions.

The establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation comes at a time of mounting international pressure on Israel due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, following the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, 53,939 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, most of them women and children, and more than 122,797 others have been injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The latest data indicates that the Israeli military exercises effective control over approximately 77% of the Gaza Strip, which is home to more than 2.4 million people, the majority of whom are refugees.

In his statement, Wood expressed his pride in the efforts he led during his tenure, noting that the relief plan developed by the foundation aimed to deliver food to those in need and address security concerns regarding aid diversion, in conjunction with long-standing organizations on the ground.

"Like many around the world, I was shaken by what was happening in Gaza, and I felt a humanitarian duty to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of the people," he said.

Wood concluded his statement by calling on Israel to expand the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through various mechanisms. He also urged all concerned parties to devise new and effective ways to ensure that relief reaches civilians without delay, discrimination, or diversion.