Sat Nov 15 16:36:07 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Investigates Mysterious Flight Carrying 150 Palestinians from Gaza
Johannesburg, November 15, 2025 – South African authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding a chartered flight that arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Thursday, November 13, carrying 150 Palestinians from Gaza who lacked proper travel documentation. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an inquiry into how the passengers, who had flown via Nairobi, Kenya, were able to enter the country.
Upon arrival, the passengers were held on the tarmac for approximately 12 hours as immigration officials questioned them. Concerns arose due to the lack of exit stamps from Israeli authorities and unclear details regarding their intended stay in South Africa.
The situation drew criticism from NGOs, who highlighted the dire conditions on the plane, including extreme heat and a lack of food and water, especially concerning families with children and a pregnant woman.
The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa released a statement denouncing the flight’s organization as “irregular and irresponsible,” alleging that an unregistered entity had exploited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, collected money from families, and arranged the travel in a deceptive manner.
An Israeli military official, speaking anonymously, identified an organization called Al-Majd as the group responsible for arranging the transport. According to the official, Israel facilitated the process by escorting buses organized by Al-Majd from Gaza to the Kerem Shalom crossing and then to Ramon airport in Israel.
While 23 passengers have since traveled to other, unnamed countries, 130 remain in South Africa. They were eventually allowed to enter the country following intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs and an offer of accommodation from the NGO Gift of the Givers.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for compassion and empathy in dealing with individuals from a war-torn region. However, the secretive nature of the flight has fueled concerns among rights groups that it might be part of an effort to displace Palestinians from Gaza.
The Israeli government, when questioned, deferred to COGAT, stating that the Palestinians left Gaza with the approval of a third country as part of a broader policy allowing residents to leave. Since the start of the war, around 40,000 people have reportedly left Gaza under this policy.
Adding to the controversy, Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman alleged that Al-Majd might be affiliated with Israeli organizations working to remove Palestinians from Gaza. He also claimed this was the second such mysterious flight to arrive in South Africa, following one on October 28 carrying 170 Palestinians that was not publicly announced.
The incident underscores the desperation of Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 69,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. South Africa, a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian cause, has accused Israel of genocide at the United Nations’ top court, a claim Israel vehemently denies.
An organization called Al-Majd Europe, describing itself as a humanitarian organization based in Jerusalem, has previously been linked to facilitating travel for Palestinians out of Gaza. However, its website also carries a warning about impersonators requesting money under false pretenses.
First Piper 