Boss of US-backed Gaza aid group resigns, citing independence concerns

The head of a US-backed private humanitarian organisation that is tasked with distributing aid in Gaza using an Israeli-initiated plan has resigned, saying that the operation could not fulfil its mission in a way that adhered to "humanitarian principles".

- Lorenzo Tondo

Jake Wood, the executive director, announced his resignation in a statement from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), adding fresh uncertainty to the operation's future.

The foundation, which has been based in Geneva since February, has vowed to distribute 300m meals in its first 90 days of operation. But the United Nations and traditional aid agencies have already said they will not cooperate with the group, fearing it violates "fundamental humanitarian principles" and breaches international law.

The move comes as Israel has intensified its air campaign in Gaza. Israeli strikes killed at least 52 people in the Gaza Strip on Monday, including 31 in a school-turned-shelter that was struck as people slept, igniting their belongings, according to local health officials.

The strike on the school in the Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City also wounded more than 55 people, said Fahmy Awad, the head of the ministry's emergency service.

He said a father and his five children were among the dead.

Awad said the school was hit three times while people slept. Footage circulating online showed rescuers struggling to extinguish the flames and recovering the charred remains of people.

The Israeli military said it targeted a militant command and control centre inside the school that Hamas and Islamic Jihad used to gather intelligence for attacks. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because it operates in residential areas.