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Boston Consulting Group recently terminated the employment of two partners due to “unauthorised work” tied to a controversial US-endorsed initiative intended to reformulate aid distribution in Gaza.

The firm announced on Thursday that these individuals “did not reveal the full extent of the work during the client acceptance process” and proceeded with additional unauthorised activities against BCG’s established policies and protocols.

The partners had been “exited from the firm”, it said, without naming them.

BCG’s work to help establish an aid effort that became the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has pulled it into a global controversy.

The United Nations, which has traditionally been the main source of aid to Gaza, criticized the initiative as a superficial move intended to displace Palestinians. This is because it relies on private contractors and the Israeli military to deliver aid to distribution centers, which are predominantly situated in the southern part of the enclave. Last week, the executive director stepped down, expressing doubts that the project could align with humanitarian standards of neutrality and self-reliance.

GHF distribution sites have also been the scene of unrest. As starving Palestinians have sought to reach supplies, Israeli troops have repeatedly been accused of shooting at people seeking aid.

BCG said earlier this week that it had halted its involvement in the project on May 30 and would not be getting paid for any of the work.

US consulting firms have “client acceptance” processes to vet new projects, fearing public controversy or ethical risks. BCG said its work related to Gaza began in October as pro bono support for an aid effort intended to operate alongside other relief efforts. Subsequent work “lacked visible multilateral support”, it said.

BCG’s statement on Thursday said it had engaged outside counsel to investigate its involvement in the project.

“We deeply regret that in this situation we did not live up to our standards,” it said. “We are committed to taking all necessary steps to address the issues identified in the ongoing investigation.”

GHF temporarily halted aid efforts this week after the local health ministry said Israeli soldiers shot and killed at least 27 people and injured dozens as they waited for aid in the Rafah governorate in southern Gaza. The foundation said on Thursday that two sites had reopened.