What's happened
On November 14, 2025, 153 Palestinians fled Gaza via a chartered flight from Israel through Kenya to Johannesburg. Initially denied entry due to missing Israeli exit stamps and unclear travel plans, 130 were later admitted after the NGO Gift of the Givers offered accommodation. The flights were organised by Al-Majd Europe, linked to an Israeli-Estonian operator and Israeli military facilitation, sparking concerns over forced displacement amid Gaza's conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Behind the Flights: A Complex Web of Displacement
The flights organised by Al-Majd Europe reveal a troubling dynamic where Palestinians are effectively being encouraged or coerced to leave Gaza under opaque circumstances. The involvement of an Israeli-Estonian national and coordination with Israel's military Voluntary Emigration Bureau suggests a state-backed effort to facilitate population transfer without formal expulsion orders.
The Role of South Africa
South Africa's initial refusal to admit the Palestinians due to missing exit stamps highlights the legal and bureaucratic challenges faced by displaced persons. Yet, the government's eventual acceptance, driven by humanitarian concerns and the intervention of Gift of the Givers, underscores South Africa's complex position: supportive of Palestinian rights but constrained by immigration protocols.
Humanitarian and Political Implications
The passengers' lack of knowledge about their destinations and the fees charged by Al-Majd Europe point to exploitation amid desperation. This raises ethical questions about the commodification of displacement and the erosion of Palestinians' agency.
Forecasting Outcomes
This situation will likely intensify scrutiny of Israel's policies in Gaza, potentially fueling international legal challenges, including South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice. The fate of these Palestinians in South Africa and other transit countries remains uncertain, with many seeking asylum or onward travel.
Impact on Readers
For global audiences, this story highlights the human cost of protracted conflict and the complexities of forced migration. It calls for awareness of how geopolitical strategies manifest in individual lives and the importance of humanitarian responses within legal frameworks.
What the papers say
The New Arab's investigation traced the flights to Al-Majd Europe, an organisation linked to an Israeli-Estonian national, Tomer Janad Lind, who reportedly works with Israel's Voluntary Emigration Bureau. They describe how Palestinians paid between $1,500 and $6,000 to leave Gaza, often unaware of their final destinations. Al Jazeera's reporting includes firsthand accounts from evacuees like Loay Abu Saif, who described the journey as a "trip of suffering" and detailed the coordination with Israeli military checkpoints and the lack of passport stamps.
South African sources, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, expressed concern over the mysterious nature of the flights, with Ramaphosa stating it "seemed like they were being flushed out." The NGO Gift of the Givers played a critical role in providing accommodation and support, highlighting the humanitarian response amid bureaucratic hurdles. France 24 revealed a shift in Israel's stance, with an official admitting South Africa had approved the arrivals, contradicting earlier denials.
The Times of Israel and Haaretz provided context on the broader policy of "voluntary departure" supported by Israel and the US, framing it as part of a slow, unofficial programme of ethnic cleansing. The Independent and AP News detailed the harsh conditions on the planes and the distress of passengers, including children, emphasizing the human toll. These varied perspectives collectively expose a complex, politically charged situation involving state actors, NGOs, and vulnerable populations.
How we got here
Since October 2023, Israel and the US have supported a policy encouraging Palestinians to leave Gaza voluntarily amid ongoing conflict. Al-Majd Europe, a secretive organisation linked to Israeli and Estonian nationals, has facilitated flights out of Gaza, charging Palestinians fees and coordinating with Israeli military bodies. South Africa, a vocal supporter of Palestine, has admitted some evacuees but is investigating the irregular flights.
Go deeper
- Who is behind Al-Majd Europe and what is their role?
- How is South Africa responding to the arrival of Palestinians?
- What are the implications for Palestinians displaced from Gaza?
Common question
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Why Is South Africa Allowing Palestinian Refugees Now?
Recent events have seen South Africa welcoming Palestinian refugees amid ongoing Middle East tensions. This move raises questions about South Africa's stance on Palestine, regional stability, and the broader implications for Africa. Below, we explore the reasons behind this development and what it means for the region and beyond.
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Why Are Palestinians Arriving in South Africa Now?
Recent reports have highlighted a significant movement of Palestinians arriving in South Africa amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Many are fleeing due to escalating violence, humanitarian crises, and complex geopolitical factors. This page explores the reasons behind their migration, the international response, and the role of various organizations and governments in this unprecedented situation. If you're wondering about the causes, the journey, and the global reactions, read on to get clear, concise answers.
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What’s the Latest on Gaza and Middle East Conflict? Your Questions Answered
The situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East remains complex and rapidly evolving. From recent Palestinian arrivals in South Africa to stalled Iran-U.S. nuclear talks, many are wondering what’s next. Here, we answer the most common questions about the current conflict dynamics, regional implications, and international involvement to keep you informed and prepared.
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Why Are Palestinians Fleeing Gaza and Where Are They Going?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a significant increase in Palestinian displacement, raising urgent questions about where they are fleeing to and why. Many are seeking safety amid escalating violence, but their journeys are complex and often controversial. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the mass movement of Palestinians, the destinations they are choosing, and the international response to this crisis.
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What’s the Latest on Gaza, Syria, and Global Conflicts?
Recent developments in Gaza, Syria, and other conflict zones are shaping the world’s political landscape. From controversial Palestinian arrivals in South Africa to ongoing war crimes trials in Syria, these stories raise important questions about human rights, international responses, and future conflicts. Here’s what you need to know about the latest news and what might happen next.
More on these topics
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres.
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The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
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Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa is a South African politician and the fifth and current President of South Africa. Previously an anti-apartheid activist, trade union leader and businessman, Ramaphosa served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2014 to 20
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Gift of the Givers is a South African non-governmental organization and disaster relief group. It was established to offer disaster relief and response, together with other humanitarian work, with the aim to reach people worldwide.
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Johannesburg, informally known as Jozi, Joburg, or "The City of Gold", is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to: