A movement of 153 Palestinians from Gaza through Kenya to South Africa has triggered diplomatic tensions and accusations of human trafficking from the Palestinian Authority.
The group departed Gaza via Eilat’s Ramon Airport and was flown to Kenya before boarding a second flight to Johannesburg.
South African authorities, not being informed in advance, created uncertainty upon the group’s arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Entry Denial in South Africa
According to a Palestinian media outlet, the aircraft, upon landing at South Africa’s Border Management Authority, was initially denied entry for the passengers.
Officials stated that the travellers were unable to provide accommodation details, the duration of their stay, or information that would normally support legal entry.
Reportedly, the passengers remained on the tarmac for 12 hours as authorities sought clarification, and eventually, 130 Palestinians were processed and admitted on 90-day visas, while 23 continued to other countries.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the transfer, alleging that Israel facilitated the undocumented travel by allowing the group to leave Gaza without stamping their passports.
According to Imtiaz Suleiman, founder of the South African aid organisation Gift of the Givers, said that testimonies from the passengers indicated that Israel assisted them in leaving Gaza without stamping their passports, leaving them stranded in third countries.
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Palestinian Authority said the operation amounted to “human trafficking” and warned Palestinians in Gaza not to fall victim to networks exploiting their displacement.
“The ministry calls on our people, especially those in the Gaza Strip, to exercise caution and not fall victim to human trafficking, blood traders, or displacement agents,” they said.
Questions Surround Al-Majd Europe
The trip was reportedly organised by Al-Majd Europe, a group registered at an address in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood.
Media investigations found that the organisation had no active office at its registered location.
Further questions emerged regarding its legitimacy after its listed email address bounced back, and its website was found to display AI-generated images of its supposed executives.
Attempts to verify Al-Majd Europe’s nonprofit status in Germany were unsuccessful as the organisation does not appear in the country’s Charity Register, which is required for entities seeking tax-deductible donations.
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The group’s donation portal offers contributions through government-regulated currencies or cryptocurrency, increasing scrutiny over its operations.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories stated that a third country had agreed to receive Palestinians under a policy permitting Gaza residents to leave in specific circumstances.
However, South African authorities said no prior coordination was made with them regarding the arrival of the 153 individuals.
Afterwards, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a warning to companies and entities that mislead their people, incite them to deportation or displacement, or engage in human trafficking, that they will bear legal consequences for their unlawful actions and will be subject to prosecution and accountability.
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