**Head of Gaza Aid Organization Resigns Over Humanitarian Concerns**

Jake Wood exits GHF after concluding that its plans don't align with established humanitarian principles as aid distribution in Gaza faces intense scrutiny.

The leader of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), established as part of a contentious plan backed by Israel and the US to distribute aid in the region, has resigned, citing a failure to align operations with humanitarian principles. Jake Wood announced his resignation on Sunday, expressing discontent with the organization's inability to adhere to the core principles of "humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence."

The GHF's plan involves private contractors handling the delivery of aid to Palestinian communities through distribution sites designated by Israel, a proposal heavily criticized by the United Nations, which has pledged to opt out of participation. Israeli officials maintain that the strategy is vital to prevent Hamas from diverting humanitarian aid, a claim that Hamas disputes.

Under the GHF framework, Palestinians are expected to pick up hefty boxes of essential supplies from limited distribution points in southern Gaza, raising concerns about accessibility for the elderly and those with disabilities. Notably, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has criticized the strategy, arguing it could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis by leaving many without access to food and further displacing vulnerable populations.

In his resignation, Wood, who formerly served in the US Marine Corps, shared that he had been inspired to lead GHF due to the severe hunger crisis affecting Gaza's population. He noted his pride in working toward pragmatic solutions, yet ultimately recognized that the operational framework could not stick to essential humanitarian standards.

Despite Wood's departure, the GHF announced plans to commence aid deliveries on Monday, aiming to reach one million Palestinians by the week's end. The organization defended its strategy, suggesting that skeptics are more interested in maintaining the status quo than in enabling effective solutions for aid delivery.

Israeli sources reported the opening of the first of four distribution centers on Monday following a recent easing of the blockade on Gaza, which had lasted over eleven weeks. While initial aid trucks have begun to arrive in Gaza, the UN expresses that the quantity provided is merely a fraction of what is direly needed.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued warnings regarding the imminent threat of starvation facing Gaza's residents. Criticism of the GHF's operations continues, with some experts labeling the organization as politicized and militarized, pointing to alleged ties to former intelligence and military officials.

As the region grapples with escalating violence and mounting civilian losses, calls for adherence to effective humanitarian practices grow louder, with ongoing calls to revert to established systems that prioritize neutrality and impartiality in aid delivery.