The evangelist and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, Rev Franklin Graham, has said that his only “hope” for Gaza is new leadership.
It comes as the relief charity ramps up its efforts in the region.
Prior to the 10th October US-backed peace deal, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), led by Johnnie Moore, a former faith advisor to Donald Trump, had been in charge of distributing aid. The organisation received strong backlash, after reports emerged of people being killed by IDF soldiers whilst attempting to receive food packages.
The GHF said it has suspended its operations for the time being, with its final delivery being on the 12th October.
Franklin Graham told Premier Christian News that Samaritan’s Purse is working independently of the GHF: “We’re supported by private funds, but we will be working, no question, closely with everyone that has provided humanitarian aid.”
“The situation [in Gaza] is very fluid,” said Graham. “We’re not there to take anybody’s place – we’re there just to help.”
He insisted that there is still hope to “rebuild” the region, which has been largely decimated by bombing, but emphasised his desire for fresh leadership.
“What we need to really make sure is that Hamas goes away,” said Graham. This is a very bad group of people, and they have held the people of Gaza – two and a half million people – hostage for 18 years.”
Whilst Samaritan’s Purse typically operate by connecting with local churches, they will be limited to only the Holy Family Church – the only operational Christian place of worship in Gaza.
“We’ll help everyone, whether they’re Muslims or Christians”, said Graham. “We work with them all, in a world that sometimes seems a little bit hopeless.”
