A bombshell report by the Financial Times has unveiled a little-known group slated to take over humanitarian aid operations in Gaza—raising alarms about foreign mercenaries, opaque funding, and what some are calling a cover for displacement.
According to the report, foreign mercenaries have been flown into Israel to implement a controversial U.S.-backed plan that could sideline the United Nations and reshape one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The mechanism is expected to be operational by the end of the month, becoming the sole route for aid into Gaza.
At the centre of the plan is a little-known Swiss-based entity, “Gaza Relief Foundation”, which will manage aid distribution at hubs guarded by Israeli forces and private security contractors. All other aid providers, including the UN, would be compelled to use these distribution points—mostly located in southern Gaza—forcing desperate Palestinians to travel long distances for basic survival.
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Since its proposal in early May, the initiative has faced mounting criticism. Sources close to the project say it even received informal advice from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, though its logistics are ill-equipped to feed Gaza’s population of over two million.
The United Nations has condemned the plan, calling it a “displacement cover.” One individual listed as a board member in internal documents denied any involvement. Another insider told the Financial Times: “The entire program has become toxic.”
The Foundation claims it will deliver 300 million meals over three months, with each meal costing $1.30—including payment for the hired mercenaries. However, there is no clarity about how the organisation is funded. As of late last week, no foreign government had officially pledged support, raising concerns about its backers. One anonymous source claimed $100 million had been committed, but would not disclose by whom.
The project tried to court high-profile humanitarian figures. Tony Blair reportedly spoke with David Beasley, former head of the World Food Programme (WFP), urging him to consider joining the board. Beasley, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has not commented publicly. Also mentioned was Nate Mook, director of World Central Kitchen, whose NGO fed hundreds of thousands in Gaza before aid was cut off. Mook denied being a board member, suggesting his name was leaked from a draft.
Concerns swirl around the Foundation’s murky structure: a Swiss branch founded by an Armenian national with no humanitarian background, a second unnamed U.S. branch, and very little disclosed about its financial operations.
Israeli media recently published images of foreign contractors in military-style uniforms arriving in Israel and receiving briefings. Two security firms, Safe Solutions and UG Solutions, are involved. They previously managed Gaza checkpoints during the short-lived ceasefire that ended on March 18.
The Foundation’s CEO is Jay Wood, a former U.S. Marine and head of disaster relief outfit Team Rubicon. He defended the plan, saying it’s not perfect but is the only available mechanism approved by Israel. A spokesperson insisted aid would be delivered by “civilian teams only” and acknowledged UN concerns, but emphasised the plan is the only authorised channel.
Tony Blair’s institute denied any formal involvement. The UN and other agencies have refused to participate, warning that concentrating aid at a few massive hubs in southern Gaza could force families to move dangerously close to the Egyptian border.
Fears were further stoked by statements from far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who described the military operation as a step towards expelling Gaza’s population and “rewriting history.”
UN aid coordinator Tom Fletcher warned at the Security Council that the Foundation’s model makes aid delivery conditional on political and military objectives, effectively turning starvation into a bargaining chip.
Facing criticism, the Foundation has attempted to adjust. Last week, it asked Israel to approve aid hubs in northern Gaza, and pledged not to share recipient data with any external parties. It remains unclear whether Israel will allow this.
The U.S. and Israel argue that this plan is the only way to prevent Hamas from gaining access to aid, echoing a claim often used to justify the siege. The Financial Times notes that the Foundation’s model mirrors ideas proposed by Israeli military officials over the past year.
These include creating “cleansed corridors” free of Hamas where aid is distributed—an approach that sharply contrasts with the international model of smaller, decentralised aid points across Gaza.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini has stated his agency has never observed significant diversion of aid by Hamas, blaming thefts instead on extreme desperation.
Western, U.S., and Israeli officials admitted to the Financial Times that rules of engagement for contractors are unclear—raising alarms about how they would handle crowds of starving Palestinians or respond to potential Hamas attacks.
Still, the U.S. government backs the plan fully. The State Department said President Trump called for a creative solution that delivers peace, protects Israel, starves Hamas, and feeds Gaza’s people.
