Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
South Africa has raised alarm over what it described as a potential attempt to secretly and forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza. The government confirmed on Monday that it is investigating a recent flight that brought Palestinian passengers to Johannesburg, labeling the operation as suspicious and part of a broader agenda to “clear” Gaza and the West Bank of their residents.
Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said the incident appeared to be linked to a larger effort to relocate Palestinians from their homeland to other parts of the world, without explicitly naming Israel. The flight in question, chartered from Nairobi, landed on November 13, carrying 153 passengers who were admitted into South Africa. According to the Department of Home Affairs, 23 passengers subsequently traveled on other flights.
“This is a matter under investigation,” Lamola stated. “We do not want any further flights arriving here, as this clearly appears to be part of a broader agenda to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.”
Israel’s embassy in South Africa said that nearly 250 Gaza residents, including patients requiring medical treatment, caregivers, and some dual citizens, left the territory on November 12.
The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), which oversees humanitarian affairs in Gaza and the West Bank, clarified that the departures were coordinated after securing approval from a third country to host the passengers, though the country was not disclosed. While Israel maintains a defense ministry department that promotes “voluntary migration” from Gaza, officials insist that no one has been compelled to leave.
Under the U.S.-proposed peace plan presented by former President Donald Trump, Gaza residents would not be forced to leave the territory. Those who choose to relocate would be free to do so voluntarily and retain the option to return.
The incident has sparked concern in South Africa and beyond, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding Palestinian movement amid ongoing regional tensions. Authorities in Johannesburg emphasized that they would monitor similar operations closely, signaling their commitment to preventing any actions perceived as coercive or part of a broader displacement effort.
