Evangelical Christian pastor and public relations professional with close ties to President Trump, Reverend Dr. Johnnie Moore, has been appointed as chair of the controversial Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
The former member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has defended the organisation’s challenging mission to deliver 300 million meals in 90 days amid mounting criticism and security concerns.
His predecessor Jake Wood resigned after citing an inability to guarantee the group’s independence from Israel.
He also had concerns over GHF’s ability to adhere to the “humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.”
GHF AID OPERATION MARRED BY DEADLY CHAOS AND VIOLENCE
Dr. Moore’s appointment comes as the foundation — which began handing out food packages last week — halted operations until further notice, to work on “organisation and efficiency.”
The initial distribution has been marked by chaos and violence including shooting episodes in which around 75 Palestinian aid seekers were reportedly killed — with the circumstances disputed.
That prompted several major partners to abandon the mission.
JOHNNIE MOORE SELF-DESCRIBES AS A “BRIDGE BUILDER AND PEACEMAKER”
Dr. Moore describes himself as “a bridge builder and peacemaker especially known for consequential work at the intersection of faith and foreign policy, especially in the Middle East.”
In an exclusive interview with Premier Christian News, he dismissed much of the backlash against the GHF operation.
“Hamas is spreading disinformation, spreading lies, and those lies are being fanned by anti-Semitism all around the world,” he said.
“When you actually look at the substance of what GHF has done and is doing, this criticism is unjustified.”
MOORE CLAIMS “ZERO SECURITY INCIDENTS” INSIDE DISTRIBUTION CENTRES
“There have been zero security incidents inside the actual distribution centres,” he added.
“We can’t control what happens outside. It’s an active war zone.”
The United Nations and other humanitarian organisations have refused to cooperate with GHF, claiming it may violate “fundamental humanitarian principles” and breach international law.
Johnnie Moore responded to accusations of politicising aid, by asserting: “We’re not a political organisation.”
“This isn’t about politics – not in the US, not in Israel, not in Gaza. It’s about feeding people. Anyone who wants to join us is welcome.”
“GAZA’S EXISTING AID SYSTEM DEEPLY BROKEN”
He claimed Gaza’s existing aid system was “deeply broken” with food often stolen or resold by Hamas.
In contrast, he said GHF had already delivered seven million meals in just eight days.
“We’ve gone from one to four distribution sites. It’s about scaling, and we need more partners – especially international ones.”
That lack of global support is one of the major challenges for the mission.
MOORE CALLS FOR UK AND EU TO JOIN HUMANITARIAN EFFORT
Dr. Moore called on the British government and EU countries to join the effort, concluding with a direct appeal for prayer.
“Pray that the lies stop. That leaders find courage. That the broken system doesn’t win,” he said.
“And pray that people around the world have the discernment to know the truth from a lie.”
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