Israel Initiates Controversial New Gaza Food Aid Program Bypassing U.N. Agencies

During the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the distribution of food aid has traditionally been managed by United Nations agencies and established humanitarian organizations. However, Israel is preparing to hand over this responsibility to several newly created private entities with limited public records and undisclosed funding sources.

Proponents of this initiative describe it as a neutral and independent operation primarily managed by American contractors. The security component is led by Philip F. Reilly, a former senior officer from the Central Intelligence Agency, while Jake Wood, an ex-U.S. Marine, oversees the fundraising efforts. Wood has indicated that the program will be implemented in phases in the near future.

In early May, the U.S. ambassador to Israel publicly denied that the program was an Israeli plan, calling such claims entirely inaccurate.

Nonetheless, multiple sources familiar with the initiative confirm that the concept originated from Israeli officials during the initial weeks of the conflict. These insights come from individuals involved in the project and others knowledgeable about its development who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive details.

Discussions outlining the framework of this plan began in late 2023 at private gatherings of government officials, military personnel, and business leaders closely connected to the Israeli administration.

This group, self-identified as the Mikveh Yisrael Forum after the college where they met in December 2023, settled on the strategy of employing private contractors to distribute food aid within Gaza, deliberately bypassing the United Nations. Throughout 2024, they have sought backing from Israeli political figures and military commanders while collaborating with foreign contractors, particularly Mr. Reilly, to advance the project.