South Africa Suspends Palestinian Charter Flights Amid Human Trafficking Concerns

‘We Don’t Want Any More Flights’: South Africa Acts on Palestinian Arrivals

South Africa has put an immediate stop to charter flights bringing Palestinian families into the country after recent arrivals raised serious red flags about potential human trafficking. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola confirmed that authorities are investigating the matter and warned that no further flights would be permitted until the investigation concludes.

Suspicious Arrivals from Gaza

Last Thursday, a group of 153 Palestinians arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from Kenya on a chartered flight. The travellers, seeking asylum, were initially denied entry due to missing documentation, including Israeli exit stamps, confirmed return tickets, and accommodation details.

After nearly 12 hours at the airport, they were admitted under South Africa’s 90-day visa exemption, with entry granted on humanitarian grounds following intervention by local aid organisations.

Lamola said the circumstances surrounding the flight appeared “suspicious” and may be part of a broader agenda to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank to multiple international destinations.

“It is indeed an issue of concern to us. It looks like a clearly orchestrated operation because they are not only being sent to South Africa there are other countries involved,” Lamola said.

Possible Human Trafficking Under Investigation

Authorities have launched a joint investigation involving the South African government and intelligence services to determine whether the travel was organised irregularly or irresponsibly. Reports suggest that a shadowy organisation known as Al-Majd Europe may have coordinated the flights.

Officials and aid workers warn that the flights could represent part of a wider campaign of forced migration, moving vulnerable Palestinians through third countries under the guise of humanitarian relocation.

Global Airways, the charter operator, confirmed that this was not the first flight of its kind. The airline had previously operated a similar route from Nairobi to Johannesburg on October 28, 2025, also carrying Palestinian passengers who were admitted under the same visa exemption.

Balancing Humanitarian Support and Security Concerns

South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, even taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged violations in Gaza. But the government’s firm stance on investigating these charter flights highlights the challenge of balancing humanitarian assistance with the risk of exploitation.

“We do not want any further flights to come our way because this appears to be a clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza, the West Bank, and other areas which South Africa strongly opposes,” Lamola said.

Social media reactions have been mixed, with many expressing support for the government’s vigilance, while others fear vulnerable families may be left stranded without proper avenues for asylum.

A Developing Story

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have promised that the South African public will be informed of the findings in due course. For now, the government has drawn a clear line: no further Palestinian charter flights will be allowed until the circumstances of the recent arrivals are fully understood.

This incident has put a spotlight on the emerging phenomenon of Palestinian displacement via third countries, raising urgent questions about international coordination, humanitarian oversight, and the role of private organisations in facilitating cross-border travel.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com