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Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a major U.S. management consulting firm, has withdrawn its team from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) amid significant challenges in its initial week of operations. The initiative, backed by the U.S. and Israel to provide food aid to Gaza, faced a rocky start with the resignation of two top executives and allegations of violent incidents involving the Israeli military at aid distribution sites.

BCG, which was instrumental in designing the program and managing its business operations, announced the termination of its contract with the GHF and placed a senior partner on leave pending an internal review. According to sources close to both organizations, the departure of BCG's team will severely impact the foundation's functionality, as the consultancy firm played a critical role in coordinating the initiative and setting up distribution centers in southern Gaza.

A spokesperson for BCG highlighted that their support was provided pro bono, contradicting other reports that claimed the firm submitted monthly invoices exceeding $1 million. Despite the controversies, GHF stated it distributed over 7 million meals in its first eight days, asserting the model’s effectiveness in delivering emergency assistance.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dire since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and about 250 hostages taken. This has led to an ongoing Israeli military offensive and a strict control of humanitarian access. Over 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israeli attacks since the conflict's inception.

The GHF, created to secure aid distribution from looting and seizures, employs armed U.S. contractors to protect convoys and oversee distribution hubs. However, the initiatives have met with incidents, including an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) investigation into the shooting of civilians near aid sites. Reports stated 27 people were killed and dozens injured in an IDF firing incident near a southern Gaza distribution center.

Though Israel contends that such measures are necessary to prevent Hamas from seizing aid, the GHF's operational model has faced criticism from humanitarian organizations and foreign aid donors. Prominent entities like the United Nations have refused to participate, citing concerns over neutrality and the possibility of the model serving Israeli war objectives.

International voices continue to demand a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to avert further catastrophe. Despite a handful of U.N. aid convoys being permitted entry, the volatile situation has led to looting and further impediment of aid distribution efforts. Consequently, the viability and ethical implications of the GHF model remain under scrutiny.