Sri Lanka, May 26 -- The head of an organisation set up to distribute aid in Gaza as part of a controversial Israel-backed plan has resigned, saying it could not work in a way that adhered to "humanitarian principles".

Jake Wood quit the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) late on Sunday, saying it would not be able to fulfil the principles of "humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence".

The plan, also backed by the US, envisions private contractors delivering aid to Palestinians via Israel-designated distribution sites. It was heavily criticised by the United Nations, which says it will not participate.

Israel insists the plan is needed to stop Hamas stealing aid, which the armed group denies doing.

Under the GHF plan, Pale...