WP: US-Israeli backed Gaza aid effort faces setbacks as major firm resigns

An emergency humanitarian initiative backed by the United States and Israel to deliver food to starving Palestinians in Gaza has encountered serious challenges in its first week of operation, including high-profile resignations, internal controversy, and criticism from global aid organisations.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a newly created body responsible for distributing aid in southern Gaza, suffered a major blow on May 30 when the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a top US consulting firm involved in its design and logistics, pulled its team from the ground and terminated its contract, Caliber.Az reports citing The Washington Post.

The decision also included placing one of the senior partners leading the project on leave, pending an internal review, according to a statement from the firm.

BCG had been central to the program’s development since last fall, working closely with Israeli authorities to establish aid distribution hubs and pricing models for contractors. 

“They are actually making the wheels turn,” said a person familiar with the operation who, along with others, spoke to The Washington Post on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

While BCG claimed its work was done “pro bono,” another source contradicted that information, saying that the company submitted monthly invoices exceeding $1 million.

Despite the turmoil, the GHF announced on June 2 that it had delivered nearly six million meals during its inaugural week. 

“It proves our model is functional and is an effective means to deliver life-saving assistance to the Gazan people under emergency conditions,” said John Acree, who was recently appointed interim director of the foundation.

However, the initiative remains mired in controversy. The United Nations and nearly all major international humanitarian organisations have refused to participate, citing concerns over neutrality, safety, and the appearance that the effort may be advancing Israeli military goals. Critics argue that the aid model — which centralises food distribution in southern Gaza while Israel controls access and supplies — could lead to chaos and endanger civilians.

Those fears appear to be materialising. Witnesses and aid groups have accused the Israeli military of opening fire on crowds of Palestinians gathering to collect aid. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have denied targeting civilians, claiming they only fired warning shots and suggesting that Hamas militants were responsible for violence at distribution points.

The launch of GHF’s operations followed an 11-week Israeli blockade that halted all aid into Gaza. The Israeli government has said the GHF system was designed to prevent Hamas from seizing aid — an accusation it has made without providing evidence. As part of the effort, armed US contractors have been hired to protect aid convoys and manage distribution centers.

Internal Israeli documents obtained by The Washington Post reveal that even some senior defence officials have raised concerns about the GHF model, warning it could lead to stampedes and further unrest due to the limited number of aid sites and high civilian demand.

By Sabina Mammadli