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5d ago

South Africa Halts Gaza Charter Arrivals as Foreign Minister Accuses Israel of 'Cleansing' Palestinians

Authorities have launched probes into how the flights were arranged after Israel’s COGAT said South Africa had approved receiving the travelers.

Post caption: The Embassy of the State of Palestine in South Africa confirms that it has been working since the very first moment in direct and close coordination and collaboration with the South African relevant authorities to resolve the humanitarian situation involving the arrival of 153 Palestinian citizens coming from Gaza via Ramon Airport through Nairobi without any prior note or coordination.
The first group of Syrian pilgrims departed from Damascus International Airport en route to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, on May 18, 2025. The departure coincided with a field visit by Syrian Minister of Awqaf, Dr. Mohammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri, who inspected the pilgrims' conditions and monitored the procedures in place at the airport. (Photo by Rami Alsayed/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The government said it will no longer accept chartered flights carrying Palestinian refugees, with Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola alleging a broader plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
  • Two recent charters brought 176 people in late October and 153 more last week via Nairobi, prompting confusion over paperwork and accommodation for many passengers.
  • South African officials held the second group onboard for roughly 12 hours before processing 130 people under 90‑day entry exemptions, while at least 23 later departed for other destinations.
  • Israel’s civil affairs agency COGAT said it cleared the departures after a third country agreed to receive the travelers, later identifying that country as South Africa, which has opened investigations into the flights’ origins.
  • Passengers reported paying thousands of dollars to a little‑documented organizer called Al‑Majd Europe, which Haaretz linked to Tomer Janar Lind, as local NGO Gift of the Givers housed arrivals and joined others in alleging Israeli involvement that officials have not publicly proven.