URGENT UPDATE: A chartered flight carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa has just been confirmed, facilitated by the Israeli military in collaboration with the controversial agency Al-Majd. The evacuees landed in Johannesburg on October 12, 2023, amid significant scrutiny and allegations of improper documentation.
According to Al Jazeera, the group was promised safe passage through an advertisement posted by Al-Majd, which reportedly coordinated their transit with Israeli authorities. The Palestinians crossed the “yellow line” surrounding Gaza, assisted by Israeli military personnel. They were then transported via bus to the Kerem Shalom crossing before reaching Ramon Airport in southern Israel.
Despite initial rejections for entry, South Africa has granted the evacuees a 90-day visa exemption, a decision praised by the Palestinian Foreign Ministry. However, they cautioned that organizations encouraging Palestinians to relocate could face serious legal consequences, emphasizing that human trafficking is a crime under both international and national law.
The situation is developing, and this unprecedented evacuation raises critical questions about the treatment of Palestinians and the role of external agencies in such operations. As news breaks, the humanitarian implications are profound, highlighting the desperate circumstances many Palestinians face.
Watch for further updates as officials respond to the unfolding situation and the potential ramifications for relations between the involved parties.
