Johannesburg, November 14, 2025 – A group of 153 Palestinians, including families with children, arrived in South Africa this week after an arduous journey that took more than 24 hours and left them uncertain about their final destination. Loay Abu Saif, a resident of Gaza who traveled with his wife and children, described the evacuation as a “trip of suffering” amid ongoing humanitarian challenges in the besieged enclave.

A Perilous Journey Out of Gaza

Abu Saif told Al Jazeera that he and his family were unaware of their final destination when they left Gaza. The group departed via Israel’s Ramon Airport, transiting through Nairobi, Kenya, before landing in Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Upon arrival, South African authorities initially denied disembarkation as passengers lacked departure stamps from Israel.

“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.”

The trip required coordination across heavily monitored zones in southern Gaza and Israel, which remains under partial Israeli control following a two-year war. Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh in Amman, Jordan, noted that movement through these areas would have been impossible without Israeli facilitation, as crossing the “yellow line” in Gaza carries significant risks.

Coordinated Evacuation Amid Uncertainty

The evacuees’ journey was organized by Al-Majd Europe, a nonprofit headquartered in Germany with a branch in Jerusalem. Families were selected based on criteria such as having children, possessing valid Palestinian travel documents, and obtaining security clearance from Israel.

Abu Saif explained that participants were only informed one day prior to departure and were instructed to carry no personal luggage aside from essential documents. Each passenger reportedly paid between $1,400 and $2,000, including fees for children and infants.

“We realized the problem … when we reached South Africa and they were asking us … ‘Where are you coming from?’” Abu Saif said, highlighting the lack of official exit stamps from Israel.

Challenges Upon Arrival

Of the 153 Palestinians on the flight, South African authorities allowed 130 to enter, while 23 transferred to other countries, including Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Abu Saif noted that some families plan to move again for medical treatment or economic reasons, citing the comparatively high cost of living in Gaza.

“People have calculated that the cost of life in any country will be cheaper compared to the cost of living in Gaza,” he said.

The nonprofit Al-Majd Europe offered temporary assistance for up to two weeks, after which evacuees must rely on their own arrangements for housing, employment, and healthcare.

Humanitarian Implications

This controversial transit scheme raises questions about the forced displacement and resettlement of Palestinians. Activists argue that the arrangement, facilitated in part by Israeli authorities, encourages the migration of Palestinians out of Gaza, where the humanitarian situation remains critical.

The evacuation highlights ongoing challenges for Gazans seeking safety, freedom of movement, and a secure life amid a blockade, damaged infrastructure, and a volatile political situation. Families like Abu Saif’s underscore the lengths to which Palestinians are willing to go to secure safety for their children, despite uncertainty, high costs, and logistical obstacles.