Aid NGOs distance themselves from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation after leaked letter
Aid organisations named in a letter from a newly formed foundation bidding to deliver food aid in Gaza have sought to distance themselves from the controversial plan which is expected to launch this week.
The 22 May letter, obtained by Middle East Eye, was sent by Gaza Humanitarian Foundation executive director Jake Wood to Cogat, the Israeli military unit overseeing aid logistics in Gaza.
The letter, in which Wood thanks Cogat for its “constructive engagement”, starts by clarifying that Israel and GHF have agreed that non-food humanitarian aid, such as medical supplies, hygiene items and shelter materials, would be permitted to enter the enclave under the existing UN-led system.
Wood then indicates in the letter that food aid will continue to be distributed in parallel to GHF by “qualified humanitarian agencies” until his organisation scales up its capacity to “no fewer than 8 secure distribution sites”.
He notes a recent call he said he convened with the CEOs of Save the Children, International Medical Corps, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, Care and Project Hope.
