**NGOs Distance Themselves from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Following Controversial Food Aid Plan**

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) named in a letter from the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which seeks to deliver food aid in Gaza, are distancing themselves from the foundation's controversial plan. The GHF initiative, expected to launch this week, has stirred significant backlash within the international aid community.

The controversy began with a letter, dated May 22, from GHF Executive Director Jake Wood to Cogat, the Israeli military unit responsible for aid logistics in Gaza. In the letter, Wood expressed gratitude towards Cogat for constructive engagement and mentioned that GHF and Israel had agreed to continue permitting non-food humanitarian aid—such as medical supplies, hygiene items, and shelter materials—under the current UN-led system.

However, the letter then revealed that food aid distribution would persist through "qualified humanitarian agencies" until GHF could scale up its operations to at least eight secure distribution sites. Wood noted that GHF recently held a call with CEOs from several major aid organizations, including Save the Children, International Medical Corps, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, Care International, and Project Hope.

The mention of these organizations in the letter led to anger and confusion among some aid workers. Four organizations—Mercy Corps, Care International, Project Hope, and Save the Children—confirmed they had only participated in an information meeting with GHF and had not entered into any agreements with the foundation. Project Hope’s senior director of public relations, Courtney Ridgway, clarified that this should not be seen as endorsement or operational collaboration.

Mercy Corps' regional senior manager of communications and media, Milena Murr, emphasized that their organization has not agreed to support or collaborate with GHF. She noted that the letter was shared without Mercy Corps’ awareness or consultation. Similarly, Carey Ellis of Care International stated their organization has not agreed to work with GHF and has concerns about the foundation’s proposal.

GHF’s communication efforts and advocacy have led to some positive outcomes, like Israel’s commitment to allow non-food aid into Gaza through the existing UN mechanism. However, many of the aid organizations remain firm that all humanitarian efforts should be free from political or military influence.

Save the Children stated it would not support any aid delivery system in Gaza that does not uphold humanitarian principles. CEO Gabriella Waaijman emphasized their commitment to standing with their principles and the children of Gaza, refusing to limit the number of humanitarian actors in the region.

The scrutiny on GHF has intensified following the leak of the letter, especially after investigations by major publications raised questions about the foundation’s connections with Israeli officials. Despite the criticisms, GHF plans to open initial secure distribution sites in Gaza by the end of May, with additional sites scheduled to open within the next month.