When hundreds of Palestinians fleeing Gaza arrived in South Africa on unannounced charter flights, the world was left asking: who organized this, and why?
Story Snapshot
- Over 300 Palestinians arrived in South Africa on two mystery flights in late October and mid-November 2025.
- The flights were arranged by Al-Majd Europe, a little-known group with no clear accountability.
- Passengers paid thousands in cryptocurrency, lacked proper documentation, and were unaware of their destination.
- South African authorities were caught off guard, sparking investigations and public scrutiny.
- Allegations of Israeli involvement and forced migration have intensified the controversy.
The Unannounced Exodus
In late October 2025, a chartered plane carrying 176 Palestinians landed in Johannesburg, followed by a second flight with 153 more in mid-November. These arrivals were not coordinated with South African immigration or humanitarian agencies. The passengers, fleeing the war in Gaza, had paid substantial sums—between $1,500 and $5,000—via cryptocurrency to intermediaries whose identities remain unclear. Many arrived without proper documentation, and some waited on the tarmac for up to 12 hours before being processed.
The flights were organized by Al-Majd Europe, a group with little public profile and no verifiable structure. Passengers reported being unaware of their destination until they landed, raising concerns about transparency and exploitation. South African authorities were unprepared for the arrivals, and the government has since launched an investigation into the circumstances and the role of Al-Majd Europe.
Desperation and Exploitation
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has driven many Palestinians to seek escape by any means necessary. The desperation is palpable, with families willing to pay exorbitant fees to unknown intermediaries for a chance at safety. The use of cryptocurrency for payments adds another layer of opacity, making it difficult to trace the flow of funds or identify those profiting from the evacuations. Civil society groups in South Africa have stepped in to provide emergency support, but the lack of official coordination has left many refugees in limbo.
Activists and humanitarian organizations have warned against unofficial evacuation schemes, urging caution and transparency. The Palestinian embassy in Pretoria has also cautioned against dealing with unverified intermediaries, highlighting the risks of exploitation and fraud. The situation underscores the vulnerability of refugees and the need for regulated, transparent evacuation processes.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout
The mystery flights have sparked political controversy and diplomatic scrutiny. South African officials have expressed concern about the lack of transparency and the potential for forced migration. President Cyril Ramaphosa suggested that the evacuations might be part of a broader campaign to remove Palestinians from Gaza, while Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola pointed to a possible Israeli agenda to cleanse Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli authorities deny forced migration, claiming that the transfers were voluntary and approved by third countries.
The events have strained South Africa’s immigration and social services, and raised questions about the country’s role in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The ongoing investigation into the flights and organizers is expected to clarify the motivations and implications of these uncoordinated evacuations.
Sources:
After Hundreds of Gazans Arrive on Mystery Flights, South Africa Asks How
All you need to know about Palestinian mystery flights to South Africa
South Africa suspicious after Israeli national is linked to Gazans fleeing Strip
