In a development raising significant ethical and operational concerns, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has reportedly received over $1 million for advising a private US maritime aid initiative for Gaza, operating outside the United Nations-led humanitarian system. This involvement, detailed by the Financial Times, has placed BCG under intense scrutiny amid rising tensions over the handling of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
The report highlights BCG’s work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private initiative criticised for bypassing established humanitarian frameworks and risking the forced displacement of Palestinians. The controversy intensified following revelations that BCG’s scope of work included assisting in the design and operation of a US- and Israeli-backed system intended to replace the UN-led aid coordination mechanism, which has historically managed the complex humanitarian logistics in conflict zones like Gaza.
BCG’s Role in Maritime Aid Plans
BCG collaborated with Fogbow, a US group led by military veterans, on a Qatar-funded plan to deliver food aid to Gaza via shipments from Cyprus, initially providing services on a pro bono basis before billing the Geneva-based Maritime Humanitarian Aid Foundation (MHAF) for work conducted between March 2024 and February 2025. This initiative aimed to establish a new channel for aid delivery amid the ongoing blockade and humanitarian crisis in Gaza but was eventually overshadowed by former US President Joe Biden’s decision to deploy a floating military pier off the Gaza coast, which commenced operations in May 2024.
The consulting firm’s work involved setting up MHAF’s Swiss entity, preparing monthly reports for Qatari officials, and assisting in contractor hiring and selection, tasks that BCG stated adhered to its internal protocols. However, these actions have drawn criticism from humanitarian groups that argue bypassing the UN system undermines coordinated relief efforts and could lead to inconsistent aid delivery.
GHF Controversy and Internal Fallout
The situation escalated as two senior BCG partners resigned following backlash over the firm’s involvement with the GHF project, which has been accused of enabling forced displacement while failing to meet established international aid standards. Reports indicate that since the GHF-operated centres became active, over 800 Palestinians have been killed near these aid sites due to Israeli military actions, raising further concerns about the safety and neutrality of such privately managed initiatives.
According to reports, BCG claims it ceased its work with GHF once senior leadership became aware of the operations, asserting it was not compensated for its involvement. However, the connection reportedly originated from a feasibility study commissioned by the US security contractor Orbis and involved ties with Phil Reilly, a former CIA officer and long-time BCG advisor, who now leads Safe Reach Solutions, a security provider for GHF sites in Gaza.
Further complicating the narrative, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) was also linked to post-war planning discussions on Gaza, where controversial proposals like the “Trump Riviera” resort and financial models developed by BCG were reportedly discussed. TBI, however, has denied direct involvement in these plans, clarifying that its staff were present merely in an observational capacity.
The unfolding situation surrounding BCG’s involvement in Gaza’s humanitarian landscape underscores the complexities and ethical challenges faced by private organisations operating in conflict zones, particularly when bypassing established international aid frameworks.
