South Africa's international relations minister has terminated authorization for charter aircraft transporting Palestinians following intelligence indicating an organized displacement campaign from Gaza and the West Bank. Ronald Lamola characterized the operations as a systematic effort to remove residents from Palestinian territories after 153 individuals arrived from Kenya lacking proper documentation, including Israeli exit verification and return travel arrangements.
Authorities are investigating Al-Majd Europe, an unregistered entity allegedly connected to the Israeli government that charges approximately $2,000 per passenger while marketing the flights as humanitarian evacuations. Intelligence services suspect the organization operates a migration network routing vulnerable families through intermediate nations before arrival at OR Tambo International Airport.
Similar transport patterns have emerged in Indonesia and Malaysia, raising international concerns about exploitation during the Gaza humanitarian crisis. South African officials granted temporary entry to recent arrivals under humanitarian provisions while launching broader inquiries into possible human trafficking violations.
Authorities are investigating Al-Majd Europe, an unregistered entity allegedly connected to the Israeli government that charges approximately $2,000 per passenger while marketing the flights as humanitarian evacuations. Intelligence services suspect the organization operates a migration network routing vulnerable families through intermediate nations before arrival at OR Tambo International Airport.
Similar transport patterns have emerged in Indonesia and Malaysia, raising international concerns about exploitation during the Gaza humanitarian crisis. South African officials granted temporary entry to recent arrivals under humanitarian provisions while launching broader inquiries into possible human trafficking violations.
