Gaza Evacuees Endure 24-Hour Journey to South Africa Amid Immigration Challenges

On November 13, 2025, a chartered flight carrying 153 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. The passengers, including families with children and a nine-months-pregnant woman, faced a grueling 24-hour journey, only to be held onboard for an additional 12 hours due to immigration complications.

Journey from Gaza to Johannesburg

The evacuees departed Gaza on November 12, 2025, under arrangements made by an organization identified as Al-Majd Europe. They were transported through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel, then flown from Israel’s Ramon Airport to Nairobi, Kenya, before reaching Johannesburg. Many passengers were unaware of their final destination until arriving in Nairobi.

Immigration Hurdles in South Africa

Upon arrival in Johannesburg at approximately 8:00 AM, South African immigration authorities detained the passengers on the aircraft. The Border Management Authority cited the absence of Israeli exit stamps and the passengers’ inability to provide details about their stay in South Africa as reasons for the hold. The passengers endured extreme heat and lack of provisions during the 12-hour delay.

Resolution and Ongoing Investigations

Humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers intervened, offering to accommodate the evacuees. By late evening, 130 passengers were permitted entry under a 90-day visa exemption, while 23 continued to other destinations. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flight and the passengers’ journey, expressing concern over potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The incident underscores the desperate measures Palestinians are taking to escape the dire conditions in Gaza and highlights the complexities of international migration and asylum processes.