Chief of controversial Gaza aid programme resigns hours before launch
Washington: Jake Wood, executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has resigned just hours before the launch of a highly contentious new aid programme in Gaza. His resignation has intensified scrutiny of the programme, which has already drawn criticism over its ties to Israel and its potential humanitarian consequences.
Wood’s departure was first reported by The New York Times, which cited his concerns over the lack of independence and adherence to core humanitarian principles. In a statement distributed by the foundation, Wood asserted that the programme could not be implemented while upholding the values of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, principles he said he refuses to compromise.
The aid initiative, spearheaded by the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, was scheduled to begin operations Monday. It involves private contractors, including one firm reportedly run by a former CIA officer and plans to distribute food from four centres located in southern Gaza, all in areas under Israeli military control.
The project has faced stiff opposition from the traditional aid sector, including the United Nations. Critics argue that the programme may be part of a strategy to forcibly displace Palestinians from northern to southern Gaza, compelling civilians to traverse dangerous military zones to access aid.
While supporters claim the initiative aims to ensure secure and direct food access for civilians, while minimizing Hamas interference in aid distribution, detractors warn it could deepen the humanitarian crisis.
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Illegally stored gas cylinders seized
Thane (PTI): Authorities have seized illegally stored 1,839 gas cylinders and seven vehicles worth over Rs 67 lakh in the Dombivli MIDC area of Thane district, officials said on Saturday.
A special vigilance team of the Mumbai Rationing Department detected an illegal storage of domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in Phase-2 of Dombivli (East).
Cylinders belonging to multiple gas agencies were found stockpiled in closed vehicles, unauthorised warehouses, and open sheds without mandatory permissions from the Explosives Department, Fire Department, or oil companies, according to an official release.
