What's happened
Since mid-November 2025, over 300 Palestinians have been flown out of Gaza via a shadowy group called Al-Majd Europe, facilitated by Israeli authorities, to destinations including South Africa. Many arrived without proper travel documents, sparking investigations and humanitarian concerns. South Africa admitted 130 Palestinians after NGO intervention, amid accusations of forced displacement amid Gaza's ongoing conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Behind the Flights: A Complex Web of Displacement
The flights organized by Al-Majd Europe reveal a troubling facet of the Gaza conflict: the covert facilitation of Palestinian displacement under the guise of 'voluntary emigration.' Despite the group's claims of legitimacy, investigations show it operates with minimal transparency, using AI-generated executive images and unregistered payment channels. This opacity suggests exploitation of desperate Gazans seeking escape from dire conditions.
Israel's Role and International Implications
Israeli authorities have acknowledged facilitating these transfers, with coordination through the Voluntary Emigration Bureau and COGAT, yet deny formal expulsion. The lack of passport exit stamps and the use of third-country visas point to a deliberate obfuscation of the process. This aligns with reports of a slow, unofficial ethnic cleansing strategy, raising serious legal and ethical questions internationally.
South Africa's Dilemma and Response
South Africa, a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and accuser of Israeli genocide at the ICJ, found itself unexpectedly hosting hundreds of Palestinians without clear entry documentation. The government's compassionate admission, aided by NGOs like Gift of the Givers, contrasts with initial border denials and public confusion. This incident exposes the challenges nations face balancing humanitarian obligations with immigration controls amid geopolitical tensions.
Forecast and Consequences
The exposure of Al-Majd Europe's operations will likely prompt intensified scrutiny and investigations by South Africa and Palestinian authorities. The situation underscores the urgent need for transparent, humane pathways for Gazans seeking refuge. Without international oversight, such clandestine operations risk deepening exploitation and further destabilizing the region. The story will continue to evolve as legal, humanitarian, and political pressures mount.
What the papers say
The New Arab's investigation traced the mysterious flights to Al-Majd Europe, linked to an Israeli-Estonian national, Tomer Janad Lind, and alleged coordination with Israel's Voluntary Emigration Bureau. They reported that Palestinians paid between $1,500 and $6,000 for passage, often unaware of their final destinations. Al Jazeera detailed firsthand accounts from evacuees like Loay Abu Saif, describing a 'trip of suffering' facilitated by Israeli military coordination, with passports unstamped and destinations unknown until transit.
South African sources, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Border Management Authority, expressed surprise and concern over the arrivals, initially denying entry due to missing exit stamps and unclear travel plans. The NGO Gift of the Givers played a crucial role in providing accommodation and support, highlighting the humanitarian dimension. Israeli officials claimed the transfers were approved by third countries, with later reports suggesting South Africa itself was the receiving country, though this was met with public backlash.
The Times of Israel and France 24 emphasized the political tensions, noting South Africa's strong pro-Palestinian stance and its ongoing legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice. They also highlighted the broader context of Israel's 'voluntary departure' policy, which critics label as ethnic cleansing. The Independent and AP News focused on the humanitarian plight aboard the planes, describing harsh conditions and the distress of families and children.
Together, these sources paint a complex picture of clandestine evacuations amid conflict, raising questions about legality, ethics, and the future of Gaza's displaced population.
How we got here
The Gaza Strip has endured two years of intense Israeli bombardment and blockade, leading to severe humanitarian crises. In 2025, Israel established a unit to encourage 'voluntary departure' of Palestinians from Gaza. Amid this, a secretive group, Al-Majd Europe, emerged, facilitating costly evacuations of Palestinians through Israel to third countries, raising concerns of forced displacement and exploitation.
Go deeper
- Who is behind Al-Majd Europe and how do they operate?
- What is South Africa's official stance on these arrivals?
- How are Palestinians coping after arriving in South Africa?
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: