South Africa has accused Israel of orchestrating a systematic effort to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank after two chartered flights carrying 329 people arrived in Johannesburg without proper documentation. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated that his government opposes any additional arrivals, describing the operations as part of a coordinated campaign to displace Palestinians from their homeland.
The travelers paid approximately $2,000 each to an organization called Al-Majd, which allegedly misled families about their destinations and provided accommodation for only one week before cutting contact. Many passengers believed they were traveling to Indonesia, Malaysia, or India rather than South Africa. The Palestinian embassy characterized Al-Majd as an unregistered entity that exploited humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding both flights, which departed from Israeli territory through the Kerem Shalom crossing. South Africa, which filed genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice, will host G20 leaders while managing the unexpected Palestinian arrivals.
The travelers paid approximately $2,000 each to an organization called Al-Majd, which allegedly misled families about their destinations and provided accommodation for only one week before cutting contact. Many passengers believed they were traveling to Indonesia, Malaysia, or India rather than South Africa. The Palestinian embassy characterized Al-Majd as an unregistered entity that exploited humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding both flights, which departed from Israeli territory through the Kerem Shalom crossing. South Africa, which filed genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice, will host G20 leaders while managing the unexpected Palestinian arrivals.
