South Africa Halts Palestinian Charter Flights Amid Human Trafficking Concerns

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola announced that South Africa will no longer permit charter flights transporting Palestinians into the country.

The statement follows the recent arrival of multiple flights carrying families from Gaza. “The Palestinian plane — as to whether there is some shady work and so forth — indeed, we are suspicious as the South African government about the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the plane and the passengers that were in it,” Lamola said, confirming an ongoing government investigation.

153 Palestinians Granted Entry on Humanitarian Grounds

Last Thursday, a chartered flight from Kenya brought 153 Palestinians to South Africa seeking asylum. Initial attempts to enter OR Tambo International Airport were denied due to missing documentation, including Israeli exit stamps, return tickets, and proof of accommodation.

The travellers were held at the airport for nearly 12 hours before being allowed entry under South Africa’s standard 90-day visa exemption. Authorities confirmed that admission was granted on humanitarian grounds after local aid organisations intervened.

Lamola stressed the government’s concern, saying, “It does look like it represents a broader agenda to remove Palestinians from Palestine into many different parts of the world. It’s a clearly orchestrated operation because they are not only being sent to South Africa — there are other countries where such flights have been sent.

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“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.”

Investigation Underway Into Possible Forced Migration

Reports indicate that South African authorities, including intelligence services, have launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flight. Officials are examining the role of a group called Al-Majd Europe, which allegedly arranged the travel, raising concerns that the operation could be part of a larger campaign of “forced migration.”

Charter operator Global Airways confirmed that similar flights have taken place before, including one from Nairobi to Johannesburg on October 28, 2025, which carried Palestinian passengers who were also allowed to enter under the 90-day visa exemption.

South Africa has long supported the Palestinian cause, including taking Israel to the International Court of Justice over alleged violations in Gaza.

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