Two chartered flights carrying Palestinians fleeing Gaza have arrived in Johannesburg over the past three weeks, sparking concerns about their circumstances and possible Israeli involvement. Authorities faced chaos upon the second flight's arrival, but ultimately allowed entry after presidential intervention. Civil society groups stepped in to provide support amid questions over the shadowy organization facilitating the evacuations.
In the past three weeks, two chartered flights carrying Palestinians fleeing Gaza landed at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, creating a conundrum for South African authorities. Rumours began circulating around 6 November about the first flight, which arrived on 28 October 2025 with 176 refugees—mostly family units of mothers, fathers, and children. They had been relocated under mysterious circumstances, with only seven days of accommodation booked at AirBnBs and hotels, after which they were effectively abandoned.
On 11 November, NGOs led by Gift of the Givers issued a statement: “On 28 October 2025, 176 Palestinian refugees who had fled the Israeli genocide in Gaza... were relocated to South Africa in a manner that raised serious concern about Israeli involvement.” The group added, “In an act of calculated deprivation, Israeli officials forced everyone in the group to abandon their bags, leaving 176 refugees without toiletries, medicines, or clothing except what they were wearing.” Civil society organizations and ordinary South Africans provided clothing, toiletries, accommodation, and other support.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) was not informed in advance of the first flight but learned of it afterward. The Border Management Authority (BMA) received the passenger manifest and allowed entry on standard 90-day tourist visa exemptions, after which the passengers “disappeared into the country,” according to a Dirco official. The passengers had paid money to a shadowy organization called Al-Majd to escape Gaza; they were mostly professionals and business people who did not know each other well and declined interviews.
Intelligence revealed a second flight scheduled for 9 November, later changed to 14 November. Fearing possible non-voluntary arrival or Hamas leaders aboard, authorities decided to interview passengers. BMA agents boarded the plane upon landing, citing lack of exit stamps from Israel as a reason, though this was described as a red herring since Israel does not issue such stamps.
Chaos ensued as passengers were held on the plane for hours, with videos circulating online. Key officials, including Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and Dirco Minister Ronald Lamola, were unavailable due to meetings and travel. Concerns arose over no booked accommodation, language barriers, and misunderstandings about asylum—some passengers had onward flights to Canada and Australia, while others believed their destination was India, with one family booking in Mumbai.
Gift of the Givers’ Sarah Oosthuizen noted passengers were misled by Al-Majd and stripped of possessions, paying around $2,000 each. Imtiaz Sooliman offered to guarantee accommodation, but delays persisted. The South African Police Service ordered the plane's return, but President Cyril Ramaphosa intervened, allowing entry. Schreiber later stated the travelers were granted 90-day visa exemptions “once satisfied that the absence of certain elements from their itinerary would not leave them destitute.”
Investigations continue into Al-Majd, potentially a predatory business or linked to Israeli efforts to depopulate Gaza, with Al Jazeera reporting its collaboration with the Israeli army. Public opinion is divided, with some praising compassion and others, like EFF deputy secretary-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, accusing double standards compared to Sudanese refugees. Conspiracy theories swirl about the passengers' selection.