The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned citizens, particularly those in Gaza, to exercise vigilance against companies and unofficial organizations that may mislead or coerce individuals into migration under the guise of assistance. The statement emphasized the risk of falling into human trafficking schemes orchestrated by “dark companies” operating in collaboration with Israeli actors.

A Ministry statement noted: “Our people must be particularly careful not to fall into the trap of human traffickers, companies, and displacement agents exploiting their vulnerability.”

South Africa Grants Temporary Visas to Palestinian Evacuees

South Africa has granted 90-day visas to war-affected Palestinians, following its filing of a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Of the 153 Palestinians who arrived via a flight from Kenya, 130 entered South Africa, while 23 were transferred to other destinations. Many are expected to seek asylum.

The Palestinian Embassy in Pretoria expressed “deep gratitude” for the support of South African authorities and citizens, noting their efforts to assist travelers who have endured years of conflict, displacement, and destruction under Israeli operations.

NGOs Provide Support Amid Uncertainty

Humanitarian organizations, including Gift of the Givers, are assisting evacuees throughout their stay in South Africa. Founder Imtiaz Sooliman told SABC that the group did not arrange the flights but has helped travelers since their arrival. The first flight carrying 176 Palestinians landed in Johannesburg on October 28, with some continuing to third countries.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Israeli authorities facilitated the evacuation of Gazans without stamping passports, leaving many stranded in third countries.

Concerns Over Covert Operations

Israeli authorities, including the Foreign Ministry and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s office, have not commented publicly. However, reports indicate that Israel, along with the United States, has repeatedly pressured other nations to facilitate the exit of Palestinians from Gaza. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed that Israeli policy allows Gaza residents to leave with third-country approval, though the specific country was not named.

Activist and author Antony Loewenstein described the operation as a potential form of ethnic cleansing. Speaking from Jakarta, a Palestinian official noted that private companies may have coordinated the flights with Israeli authorization, profiting from the displacement of vulnerable populations.

Loewenstein added: “The problem lies both with the companies orchestrating the transfers and the Israeli state facilitating it. Many ministers, and frankly many citizens, wish for Gaza to be emptied of Palestinians, and this operation appears to be part of that strategy.”

Context and Regional Implications

The warning underscores the complexities facing Gazans attempting to escape ongoing bombardment and famine. Evacuees were reportedly instructed to leave all belongings behind, raising concerns over their safety and rights in transit. International NGOs continue to monitor the situation, advocating for transparent procedures and protection against exploitation.

The case highlights broader geopolitical tensions, including Israel’s ongoing occupation policies, regional human rights concerns, and the role of international actors in mitigating humanitarian crises.