Controversial Gaza Aid Chief Speaks Out as Violence Plagues U.S.-Backed Relief Effort

(The Post News)- In his first public interview since assuming leadership at the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore came to the defense of the embattled U.S.-backed aid program. The program has faced severe criticism following deadly violence around its distribution centers, which claimed the lives of at least 57 people and wounded nearly 300 this week.

Moore, twice appointed as a religious freedom commissioner by President Donald Trump, told ABC News that the foundation “can’t control what happens outside” its aid centers. He referred to the fatal shootings as “a tragedy” that occurred amid war.

“For some reason, people deviated off the safe corridor,” Moore said, referring to the two most recent incidents in which Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired into the centers. Moore attributed some deaths to Israeli forces but also blamed “some” on Hamas. The IDF confirmed shooting in the areas of the sites, stating it was aiming at “suspects” who had strayed from agreed routes.

Despite the deaths and temporary closure of several centers, Moore rejected criticism that GHF’s model of requiring civilians to walk long distances in a conflict zone to obtain food was flawed. “I strongly disagree with the implication that our operation is in some way disproportionately putting people at risk,” he said.

GHF, which began operations less than two weeks ago, claims to have brought 10 million meals to Gazans. Moore noted that the effort was American-led, with assistance delivered by private American contractors.

However, humanitarian organizations and U.N. officials have condemned the foundation’s approach, stating it violates international standards. “This militarized system risks lives and violates international standards on aid delivery,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated earlier this week.

Aid groups have refused to partner with GHF, citing impartiality issues and inability to access the most vulnerable in Gaza. GHF’s former Executive Director Jake Wood, a veteran of the U.S. military, resigned days before launch, questioning the group’s neutrality and capacity to function.

Moore insisted the foundation was prospering, saying, “We’re solving the problem.” He noted that verification procedures continue to evolve, and there’s no evidence Hamas has hijacked any GHF aid. He promised Gazans aren’t required to show identification at distribution centers, enabling widespread access.

The foundation has faced logistical challenges, suspending distribution for 24 hours due to this week’s violence. Some sites have reopened, but the level of resumed aid is unknown.

The U.S. State Department is considering a $500 million funding package for GHF, which has raised alarms among some U.S. officials due to the foundation’s troubled start and deadly repercussions. Critics argue the foundation lacks oversight, relies too heavily on private firms, and neglects coordination with established humanitarian chains.

Moore hopes major organizations will eventually join GHF, saying, “My message to them is: stop criticizing us, just join us. We can learn from them if people have a better idea.” The GHF continues to operate in a volatile environment, balancing humanitarian crisis, political agendas, and growing suspicion from the international aid community