Preacher, PR, ad boss – the unlikely CV of the evangelical Gazan aid leader

The head of the privatised relief operation backed by armed US contractors appears to have no direct experience of delivering aid, writes Ruth Michaelson, Middle East Correspondent

- Ruth Michaelson, Middle East Correspondent

The Reverend Johnnie Moore is a rising star of the US evangelical movement, an experienced public relations executive, and leads a Christian advertising agency that counts a theme park built around a 510ft-long model of Noah's ark in Kentucky as one of its flagship projects.

During Donald Trump's first term he was appointed to the president's council of evangelical advisers, drawing criticism after sharing a photograph of the group laying their hands on Trump to bless him during a prayer in the Oval Office.

Adding to the eclectic CV is a year-long stint as chief of staff for Mark Burnett, the British TV executive who created The Apprentice and transformed Trump's career.

Then, last week, he was given his most high-profile role so far: chairing the controversial privatised and militarised aid operation in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation lauded him as someone with "a proven record of principled leadership and hands-on humanitarian work". This appeared to be a reference to his 15 years on the board of WorldHelp, which donates relief and builds wells alongside efforts to distribute Bibles and build churches worldwide. Ten years ago, Moore collaborated with conservative radio host Glenn Beck to evacuate some 150 Christians from northern Iraq.