WFP Launches Full Review of BCG Partnership Over Gaza Project Missteps
The World Food Programme (WFP) has initiated a comprehensive review of its partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) after learning — only through media reports — about the consultancy’s unauthorized work in Gaza. The revelations, first published this week, have sparked critical questions about BCG’s involvement in a controversial aid model that led to violence and alleged civilian harm .
Since 2003, WFP and BCG had collaborated pro bono on humanitarian operations. But BCG’s undisclosed involvement in designing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), including creating financial models for voluntary Palestinian relocation and its support for a militarized aid distribution network guarded by private contractors and Israeli forces, triggered widespread backlash. The project has reportedly been linked to over 500 Palestinian deaths near GHF aid sites .
WFP officials expressed “shock and grave concerns” about BCG’s lack of transparency and affirmed that any external work must align with its humanitarian mission . In response, BCG dismissed the two partners responsible, engaged law firm WilmerHale for an internal inquiry, and pledged to implement firm-wide safeguards .
The fallout extends beyond this review: Save the Children has suspended ties with BCG, and a UK parliamentary committee has demanded full disclosure of BCG’s Gaza activities — including an official explanation by July 22 . Meanwhile, BCG CEO Christoph Schweizer has characterized the incident as a “process failure” and committed the firm to deep reforms.
Implications for Aid Oversight:
- Humanitarian partners are now scrutinizing private-sector involvement more closely.
- The incident raises questions about risk management and ethical vetting in aid logistics.
- WFP’s review may set a new precedent for accountability in emergency partnership arrangements.
