Israeli Group Facilitated Palestinian Evacuations from Gaza, Raising Ethical Concerns

A series of flights evacuating Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa and Indonesia since May have been orchestrated by an Israeli organization, Ad Kan, whose founder previously supported a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump to resettle Palestinians outside of Gaza. The operation has sparked debate over the motivations behind the evacuations and raised concerns about potential “ethnic cleansing,” according to South African officials.

The Evacuation Flights

At least three flights carrying approximately 150 Palestinians each landed in Indonesia and South Africa beginning in May 2025. The flights were a surprise to authorities in South Africa when the first plane landed in November. Passengers, many fleeing the devastation of the ongoing war in Gaza, reportedly paid up to $2,000 per seat to secure passage. Some passengers were unaware of who was organizing the flights, prioritizing escape from dire conditions over knowing the identity of their benefactors.

“There was famine, and we had no options. My children were almost killed,” said a 37-year-aged Palestinian who arrived in South Africa in November, speaking anonymously out of fear of retribution. “Death and destruction was everywhere, all day, for two years, and nobody came to the rescue.”

Ad Kan and Al-Majd: A Complex Network

The flights were not directly organized by Ad Kan, but through a company called Al-Majd, which presents itself as a humanitarian organization “supporting Palestinian lives” and aiding Muslim communities in conflict zones. However, an investigation revealed a deliberate effort to distance Ad Kan from the operation. According to a contract and interviews with individuals involved, Ad Kan utilized Al-Majd to obscure its connection to the flights.

American-Israeli businessman Moti Kahana, who signed a contract with Ad Kan in August to organize a flight, described Al-Majd as being run by both Arabs and Israelis, intentionally projecting an Arab face to conceal Israeli involvement. He stated, “It’s the same people, the same company, different names.”

Motivations and Controversy

Ad Kan’s founder, Gilad Ach, is a West Bank settler activist and staunch supporter of Trump’s proposal to transfer 2 million Palestinians out of Gaza. Ach published a report detailing how he would implement this “voluntary exit,” suggesting Israel coordinate with the U.S. To find receiving countries. While Trump later abandoned the plan, Ach and other far-right Israeli groups continue to advocate for removing Palestinians from Gaza.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola condemned the flights as a “clear agenda to cleanse out the Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank.” The South African government subsequently revoked 90-day visa exemptions for Palestinian passport holders, citing “deliberate and ongoing abuse” by Israelis linked to the emigration efforts.

Ad Kan’s Response

Ach defended the flights as humanitarian efforts, claiming those who left had requested assistance and some contributed to the costs. He denied allegations of ethnic cleansing, asserting that the flights were intended to help Palestinians seeking safer environments free from Hamas. He similarly criticized the lack of willingness from other countries to accept Palestinian refugees, stating their continued presence in Gaza serves as leverage against Israel.

Ongoing Concerns

Critics argue that emigration from Gaza cannot be considered truly voluntary given the widespread destruction and uninhabitable conditions resulting from the war. They also raise concerns about the lack of guarantees for Palestinians to return to Gaza in the future, given Israel’s history of restricting Palestinian returns.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office and COGAT, the defense body overseeing Palestinian departures from Gaza, declined to comment on the flights or whether those who left would be permitted to return.