Pretoria says two charter flights from Gaza appeared linked to an alleged relocation effort, prompting concerns over forced displacement and regional tensions.
South Africa has revoked its 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian travelers, citing what officials describe as coordinated attempts to move people out of Gaza under suspicious circumstances. The decision follows the recent arrival of a charter flight carrying 153 Palestinians, an episode that authorities say raised red flags about possible forced migration.
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber said the flight — along with a similar one in October 2025 — appeared to be organized by actors connected to Israeli groups aiming to relocate Gaza residents. According to Schreiber, South Africa’s visa framework was being “abused,” and the passengers themselves were being put at risk.
He said organizers “were seemingly prepared to leave vulnerable people destitute upon arrival,” noting that the passengers had no clear plans, financial support, or resettlement arrangements once they reached the country. South African officials said the opacity surrounding the flights — including limited disclosure about sponsors, routes, and logistics — heightened their concerns.
Rights organizations in South Africa and abroad have warned that sudden, secretive transfers of Palestinians out of Gaza could form part of a wider effort to depopulate the enclave. The fears align with broader international scrutiny of movements out of Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
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The Israeli authority responsible for civilian matters in the occupied territories said the passengers were permitted to leave Gaza only after Israel secured approval from a third country to receive them. Israeli officials maintain that the departures were voluntary.
However, South Africa’s government and several human rights groups argue that voluntary movement cannot be presumed in a conflict zone marked by displacement, restricted movement, and severe humanitarian strain. They say that any organized transfers must be transparent, consent-based, and internationally supervised.
Tensions escalated further after Israel welcomed a pledge by U.S. President Donald Trump to permanently remove Gaza’s more than 2 million Palestinians — a proposal rights groups say would amount to ethnic cleansing. Trump’s remarks have fueled global debate over long-term plans for Gaza’s civilian population, as well as the obligations of regional and international actors under humanitarian law.
Pretoria’s move to rescind visa-free entry underscores its increasingly vocal stance on the Gaza conflict. South Africa has positioned itself as a leading critic of Israel’s military campaign and legal conduct, including its case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Officials say the visa exemption could be reinstated in the future, but only if South Africa is satisfied that Palestinian travelers are not being used as part of any broader relocation effort.
