Gaza Humanitarian Foundation plans to deliver 300 million meals amid aid challenges

In late April 2025, the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, led by executive director Jake Wood, announced its intention to provide aid to the 2.1 million residents of Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by an 11-week blockade from Israel. Israel recently agreed to allow some food aid into Gaza before the foundation's approved aid delivery mechanism is fully operational later this month. Wood acknowledges the situation in Gaza is 'clearly urgent' and emphasizes the need for quick action given that no aid has entered the area in the past ten weeks. The proposed aid delivery mechanism, backed by both Israel and the United States, aims to limit the potential for aid diversion to Hamas, a concern raised by the Israeli government. However, major UN agencies have expressed opposition to this mechanism, stating there is no evidence of significant aid diversion and warning that such a plan could displace Palestinian populations, further complicating an already dire situation. Wood has urged these organizations to reconsider their stance, emphasizing that the plan is designed to feed people in need rather than exacerbate existing challenges. Wood clarified that while the initial goal is to provide 300 million meals in the first 90 days of operation, this amount is insufficient to meet the needs of Gaza’s population. He admitted, 'it is not clear' how long it will take to cover the total needs, especially without support from major UN aid agencies. The foundation will initially establish four distribution sites in southern and central Gaza, with additional sites planned for northern Gaza. Although these sites are strategically placed, the distribution will initially only reach about 60% of the population. In addressing concerns over the aid distribution process, Wood dismissed allegations regarding the Israeli military's involvement in security operations at distribution sites and sharing personal data with the Israeli government. He stated he would not support a plan that dislocates Palestinians forcibly and believes the humanitarian community's concerns stem from misinformation. As the situation unfolds, the foundation's operations, which will be secured by UG Solutions, a private American security contractor, are seen as critical in alleviating the hardships faced by people in Gaza.