‘Trip of suffering’: Gaza evacuee recounts 24-hour journey to South Africa
Loay Abu Saif, a resident of the Gaza Strip, told Al Jazeera from Johannesburg that the charter evacuation was a "trip of suffering" after he, his wife and children were among 153 Palestinians who arrived in South Africa this week without Israeli departure stamps.
Abu Saif said the group left Gaza without knowing their final destination. They were bused from Rafah through Israeli-controlled areas to the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, processed there, and transferred toward Israel's Ramon Airport. The flight transited through Nairobi, Kenya, and landed at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport more than 24 hours after departure.
"We were not too convinced that any group … would be able to make this kind of evacuation," Abu Saif said. "I can say I feel safe … which means a lot for Palestinians, especially for those in Gaza."
South African authorities initially prevented the passengers from disembarking because the travellers lacked Israeli departure stamps on their documents. According to official reports, 130 of the 153 passengers were admitted into South Africa while 23 were transferred onward to other destinations.
Organisers, costs and selection
Abu Saif said his wife registered the family with a non-profit called Al-Majd Europe, which promotes its registration form on social media and lists a headquarters in Germany and an office in Jerusalem. He said the selection appeared to prioritise families with children and required a valid Palestinian travel document plus Israeli security clearance. Participants were reportedly told they would be notified one day before departure and instructed not to carry personal luggage beyond essential documents.
Passengers were charged roughly $1,400–$2,000 per person, with parents reportedly paying the same fee for each child or baby. Abu Saif said many evacuees already had plans or paperwork for third countries such as Australia, Indonesia or Malaysia, and that about 30 percent of the passengers left South Africa within two days to continue onward.
Allegations and context
Activists have described the operation as a controversial transit scheme and allege that Israel is encouraging displacement by helping Palestinians settle abroad. Based on Abu Saif's account, reporters say the Israeli military appears to have facilitated the group's movement through an Israeli airport. Al Jazeera noted that Israel had not yet publicly commented on the specific case.
The episode has raised legal and humanitarian questions about the status of people who cross international borders without routine exit stamps and about the role of NGOs and state actors in organising such transfers.
Key facts
- 153 Palestinians arrived in South Africa on a charter flight; 130 were admitted and 23 transferred onward.
- Passengers travelled from Gaza to Ramon Airport (via Kerem Shalom), transited through Nairobi and arrived in Johannesburg after a >24-hour journey.
- Organisers named: Al-Majd Europe (non-profit); reported cost per person: $1,400–$2,000.
- Travellers reportedly lacked Israeli departure stamps, prompting initial refusal to disembark in South Africa.
All information above is based on Al Jazeera reporting and testimony from Loay Abu Saif as of the time of publication.
