DaysofPal – An investigation by the Associated Press has revealed that a Jewish settler organization known as Ad Kan is behind organizing flights transporting Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip to countries in Asia and Africa. The findings have sparked widespread debate over whether such efforts are being used to encourage the departure of residents from a territory facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
Since May 2025, about 380 Palestinians have been transported by air from Gaza to South Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia, according to the report. These departures took place against the backdrop of extremely difficult living conditions caused by the ongoing war and widespread destruction in the enclave.
Documents obtained by the Associated Press indicate that the operation was coordinated through a front company called “Al-Majd,” which was used to obscure direct links to the organization behind the flights. The same documents suggest that former Israeli officers and soldiers were involved in managing the effort.
The investigation also found that some Palestinians paid up to $2,000 per seat on these flights.
Moti Kahana, an American-Israeli businessman who initially participated in organizing one of the flights before withdrawing, told the Associated Press that those behind the operation attempted to conceal any connection to Israel by using multiple front companies. He added that Arabic-speaking teams were employed to communicate with passengers and avoid revealing any direct Israeli affiliation.
One flight that arrived in Johannesburg in November 2025 drew particular attention. A plane carrying about 150 Palestinians landed without clear travel documentation, prompting authorities to keep passengers on board for several hours before eventually allowing most of them to enter the country.
The incident led the South African government to open an investigation into the organizers, amid concerns that the operation could be part of a broader effort to depopulate Gaza.
Some Palestinians who left the territory told the Associated Press that their primary concern was escaping the devastation, rather than the identity of those organizing the travel. At the same time, human rights organizations warned that departures under conditions of war and blockade cannot be fully considered voluntary migration.
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