New US-Backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Faces Pushback From UN Over Controversial Relief Mechanism
Tel Aviv, Israel (May 17, 2025) — Jake Wood, executive director of the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, insists his group’s aid mechanism is a necessary response to the ongoing blockade of Gaza and denies claims it supports the displacement of Palestinians.
In an exclusive CNN interview, Wood stated, “I unequivocally will not be a part of anything that forcibly dislocates or displaces the Palestinian population.” He stressed that the new aid mechanism — approved by both Israel and the United States — is intended to urgently feed civilians in desperate need, not to further any political or military objectives.
UN and Aid Groups Refuse to Participate
The United Nations and several major humanitarian organizations have rejected the mechanism, citing fears it may contribute to Israel’s alleged goal of depopulating northern Gaza. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the UN has an existing system for delivering aid and warned against creating parallel, politicized processes.
“To those proposing an alternative modality for aid distribution, let’s not waste time: We already have a plan,” Fletcher posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the criticism, Wood emphasized the dire urgency in Gaza, where Israel’s near-total blockade has lasted nearly 11 weeks. “This plan is not perfect, but this plan will be feeding people by the end of the month,” he said.
What Is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation?
The foundation is a US-backed initiative formed to provide a tightly managed distribution channel for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Its approval came after repeated Israeli concerns that Hamas had been diverting aid, though both UNRWA and other aid agencies deny any evidence of large-scale aid theft.
The foundation’s early phase aims to distribute 300 million meals in 90 days—a number Wood admits falls short of meeting Gaza’s full nutritional needs. Four initial distribution sites will be launched, three in southern Gaza and one in the central region, with plans for two more in northern Gaza once security logistics are in place.
Security and Logistics: Private Contractors Involved
Security for the operations will be handled by UG Solutions, a private American contractor also involved in checkpoint monitoring during a previous ceasefire. Wood, a former US Marine, assured that these contractors would only provide convoy protection and not interact directly with civilians receiving aid.
“They will operate under strict rules of engagement, and those align with international humanitarian norms,” Wood said, declining to disclose the exact operational details.
Contested Claims About Aid Diversion
Pressed about Israel’s ongoing claim that Hamas is intercepting aid, Wood said: “It doesn’t really matter. Israel controls access to Gaza, and if their belief is that aid is being stolen, then we have no choice but to create a mechanism that works within that framework.”
He suggested much of the opposition to the plan stems from “misinformation,” including false claims about biometric data sharing and Israeli military involvement. “That is not the plan,” he said firmly. “And I would not have joined if it were.”
The Humanitarian Outlook
With over 2.1 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza, malnutrition and disease are spreading fast. While this new foundation may not be the ideal solution, Wood argues it is at least a functional one.
“The community will have to decide: Participate in this mechanism and help scale it, or stay on the sidelines while the crisis worsens.”
For more on the humanitarian implications, see our report on the Gaza crisis timeline and ongoing Middle East aid operations.
