A contractor working with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has resigned in protest against the Biden administration’s stance on the conflict in Gaza. Alexander Smith, a senior adviser focusing on gender, maternal health, child health, and nutrition, made the decision to resign after his scheduled presentation on child mortality among Palestinians was canceled by USAID leadership. Smith alleged in his resignation letter to USAID head Samana Power that the agency was treating the situation in Gaza differently from other conflicts and humanitarian crises.
“I cannot fulfill my duties in an environment where certain individuals are not acknowledged as fully human, or where gender and human rights principles are applied selectively based on race,” Smith wrote in the letter, as reported by the Guardian. He criticized USAID for not upholding its principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law consistently, particularly regarding the Palestinians.
The resignation follows an investigation by The Independent, which revealed internal dissent at USAID over the Biden administration’s handling of the hunger crisis in Gaza. At least 19 internal dissent memos have been sent by USAID staff since the beginning of the conflict, criticizing US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. A leaked draft memo, seen by The Independent, called for the administration to pressure Israel to end the blockade causing famine in Gaza.
Smith’s resignation is the second at USAID related to the conflict in Gaza. Stacy Gilbert, a career official at the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, resigned over a department report claiming that Israel was not obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to the Washington Post.
In response to the resignations, a USAID spokesperson stated that the agency recognizes the loss of innocent lives in the conflict and is working to accelerate aid efforts and advocate for civilian protection. However, they did not address specific personnel matters.
The conflict in Gaza has sparked controversy, with Israel denying claims of a hunger crisis and restricting aid. The fighting between Israel and Hamas has exacerbated the situation, with reports of famine in Gaza’s north. The closure of aid crossings due to Israeli offensive operations has further limited access to essential supplies.
Speaking about the crisis in Gaza, Samantha Power, the head of USAID, emphasized the devastating impact on civilians and warned of catastrophic consequences. The UN also reported thousands of children experiencing malnutrition in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
Smith’s resignation sheds light on the complex dynamics at play within international aid organizations and their responses to humanitarian crises. It underscores the importance of upholding principles of human rights and impartiality in providing aid to conflict-affected populations.
The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to reassess its approach to the conflict in Gaza and take concrete steps to address the humanitarian crisis. Critics argue that US support for Israel’s actions contributes to the suffering of Palestinian civilians and undermines efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In the wake of Smith’s resignation, there is renewed scrutiny on USAID’s policies and actions in relation to the conflict in Gaza. Calls for transparency and accountability are growing, as stakeholders demand a more equitable and principled approach to humanitarian aid delivery.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community must prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure access to life-saving assistance. Smith’s decision to resign serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities of aid organizations and the imperative to uphold human rights in all contexts.
Moving forward, it is essential for USAID and other humanitarian agencies to engage in open dialogue, listen to the concerns of their staff, and take meaningful action to address systemic issues within their organizations. Only through genuine accountability and a commitment to humanitarian principles can the needs of conflict-affected populations be effectively met and their rights respected.