UN urges probe into Palestinians forced from Gaza to South Africa
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The UN calls for an investigation into reports that over 300 Palestinians were flown from Gaza to South Africa without proper documents, as concerns rise over forced displacement and shadowy flight coordination.
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Families watch planes on the tarmac at Johannesburg's OR Tambo's airport, Monday Nov. 29, 2021. (AP)
The United Nations has called for a formal investigation into reports that hundreds of Palestinians have been flown out of Gaza and into South Africa without proper travel documentation. The development has raised serious concerns among South African authorities and prompted scrutiny over the coordination and intent behind the flights.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric addressed the issue during a briefing on Monday, describing the situation as “extremely bizarre.” He confirmed that South African authorities have already launched an investigation into the matter.
"Nobody should be forced to get onto a plane and be sent somewhere without approval," Dujarric said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that such movements are voluntary and in line with international norms.
Palestinians evacuated by shadowy charter company
The incident centers around several chartered flights organized by a company known as Al-Majd Europe. In recent weeks, these flights have transported more than 300 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa. Reports indicate that individuals paid around $2,000 per seat amid the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
However, questions have emerged regarding the legitimacy and transparency of the company, as well as the origin and approval of the documentation used to facilitate the transfers.
According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, many of the passengers did not present customary departure stamps in their passports and lacked return tickets or confirmed accommodation details. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that although Palestinian passport holders are eligible for a 90-day visa-exempt entry, the absence of such travel details initially raised red flags.
The Palestinian embassy in South Africa issued a statement condemning the circumstances under which the group travelled, blaming an unnamed organization for exploiting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The embassy stated that this group had deceived families, collected money, and arranged travel “in an irregular and irresponsible manner."
Ramaphosa: ‘We cannot turn them back’
Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that his government will investigate the circumstances surrounding the unexpected arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza at OR Tambo International Airport.
Speaking at an event in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said he was informed of the situation by the home affairs minister and emphasized that the group could not be sent back.
“Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country,” he said.
The South African president pledged a “proper evaluation” of the case and committed to informing the public on how the group arrived and under what conditions. Local reports indicate the plane had transited through Nairobi, Kenya, before landing in Johannesburg.
Read more: South Africa probes 'mystery' flight after Palestinians held on tarmac
