A flight carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza landed in South Africa earlier this week, but the passengers faced significant challenges upon arrival. They were stranded on the plane for over 12 hours before the South African authorities permitted them to disembark. Officials stated they had not been informed about the deportation flight by Israeli authorities, but allowed the passengers to leave on humanitarian grounds.
The individuals on board had paid between $1,500 and $5,000 to a company called Al-Majd Europe to facilitate their exit from Gaza. This operation is orchestrated by a small group of Palestinians in collaboration with Israeli authorities. Since June 2023, at least two other similar flights have taken place, reflecting a broader strategy purportedly aimed at depopulating Gaza.
This recent flight raises concerns about Israel’s historical and ongoing efforts to displace Palestinians. The roots of this strategy can be traced back to the early 20th century. Early Zionist leaders, including Theodor Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, articulated views that favored the removal of Arab populations to facilitate the establishment of a Jewish state. Herzl suggested that Arab displacement should be executed subtly, while Ben-Gurion later endorsed forced relocation, asserting that it was not immoral.
The impacts of these policies were starkly evident during the Nakba of 1948, when over 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes in what Israeli historian Benny Morris termed “necessary” ethnic cleansing. Following 1948, Israel continued its efforts to displace Palestinians, with instances of forced transfers occurring in the 1950s and strategies aimed at encouraging emigration during the late 20th century.
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 attacks, Israel saw a renewed opportunity to implement its long-standing goals of displacing Gaza’s population. Israeli officials have indicated a willingness to pursue what they term a “General’s Plan” aimed at fully depopulating northern Gaza. This latest flight scheme aligns with historical patterns of forced displacement but is distinct in that it involves Palestinians financing their own exodus, often through desperate means.
The absence of exit stamps from Israeli authorities on the passengers’ passports complicates their legal status. Without official documentation, they are classified as illegal migrants and face significant barriers to returning to Gaza. This situation underscores the broader dynamics at play, where Israel permits such flights while obstructing the evacuation of sick and injured Palestinians, as well as students accepted into foreign universities. These latter groups would have legal claims to return, a scenario that contradicts Israel’s objectives.
The willingness of some Palestinians to participate in these flights reflects a deep-seated desperation stemming from two years of violence and instability in Gaza. This desperation is further exacerbated by a humanitarian crisis that has left many residents with limited options. Despite these challenges, a significant number of Palestinians remain committed to their land, viewing it as integral to their identity and history.
Palestinian resilience has been evident throughout decades of conflict, evictions, and economic hardship. Even in the face of systematic efforts to undermine their presence, the spirit of the Palestinian people endures, asserting that they will not relinquish their claim to their homeland. As the situation continues to evolve, the narrative of displacement and survival persists, with many Palestinians determined to remain in Gaza despite the ongoing challenges they face.
