Full Breakdown
Investigation Reveals Alleged Smuggling Operation from Gaza
12/20/2025, 10:00:13 PM
Al-Majd Europe: A Dubious Humanitarian Front
An investigation by Al Jazeera has uncovered a clandestine operation involving Al-Majd Europe, an unregistered organization that falsely presented itself as a humanitarian group. This organization facilitated the evacuation of 153 passengers from Gaza to South Africa on a flight that raised significant concerns regarding its legitimacy and the treatment of evacuees. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the passengers' arrival "out of compassion" but indicated that an investigation would follow, as it appeared they had been "flushed out" of Gaza.
The Mystery Flight and Its Aftermath
The passengers, who were reportedly stuck on the aircraft for 12 hours due to lack of proper documentation, were told to keep their departure secret. They were instructed to arrive at the Karem Abu Salem crossing in southern Gaza, where their belongings were confiscated before being transported to Ramon Airport near Eilat, Israel. Al Jazeera's investigation revealed that the organization initially advertised the evacuation as free but later charged between $1,000 and $2,500 per person, with strict criteria for acceptance, primarily targeting families.
Unraveling Al-Majd Europe's Identity
Further scrutiny of Al-Majd Europe revealed that it claimed to be a humanitarian foundation established in Germany, yet no records of such an organization exist in German or European databases. The supposed headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, corresponds to a hospital and a cafe, raising questions about the organization's authenticity. The investigation identified Muayad Hisham Saidam as a key figure associated with Al-Majd, although his connection to the organization remains unclear. Saidam was previously involved in a public fundraising effort for his family’s evacuation from Gaza.
The Role of FLYYO and Broader Implications
FLYYO, the airline that operated the flight, has conducted multiple similar evacuations from Israeli airports to various destinations, including Romania, Indonesia, and Kenya. Al Jazeera's findings suggest that Al-Majd Europe may be part of a larger scheme to facilitate the emigration of Gazans, potentially aligning with Israeli officials' statements indicating a significant interest among Gaza residents in leaving the territory.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics have raised alarms about the implications of such operations, questioning whether they are part of a broader strategy to depopulate Gaza. The investigation highlights the need for transparency regarding the motivations behind these evacuations and the entities involved.
Official Statements & Responses
While Israeli officials have publicly distanced themselves from the notion of encouraging emigration, the investigation raises critical questions about the authenticity of Al-Majd Europe and its operations. The lack of clarity surrounding the organization and its activities has prompted calls for further scrutiny.
Verbatim Quotes
“Initially, it said it was free. Then they asked for $1,400 [per person]. Then the price went up to $2,500,” — Anonymous Passenger
“And much like those employees, it appears as though Al-Majd itself is a fake humanitarian group, leading to the question of what those behind the organisation are trying to hide.” — Al Jazeera Investigation
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Discrepancies exist regarding the extent of the operations conducted by Al-Majd Europe and the actual number of individuals evacuated. While some sources suggest a substantial number of people have been assisted, the lack of verifiable data complicates the narrative.
The investigation into Al-Majd Europe and its operations raises significant ethical and humanitarian questions, necessitating a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the evacuations from Gaza.
