Gaza Escape Route: Organization Facilitates Travel Through Israel
Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text, focusing on the institution “Al Majd Europe” and its role in facilitating departures from Gaza:
Key Points:
* Al majd Europe: This organization, founded in February, claims to assist Muslim communities in conflict zones.It’s accused of facilitating the departure of Palestinians from Gaza, potentially as part of a larger effort to reduce the population.
* Israeli Connection: the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that Al Majd Europe was used to coordinate departures with COGAT (Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories). Tomer Janar Lind, an Israeli, is identified as a promoter of the organization, though he hasn’t denied his involvement. Al Majd Europe claims it was founded by “refugees” and volunteers, not Israel.
* Limited Cooperation with Israel (According to Al Majd): Muayad saidum, the operational leader in Gaza, states that cooperation with Israel is limited to security checks and lacks a political dimension. He argues that all palestinians need Israeli coordination to leave Gaza.
* “Humanitarian” Work: Saidum frames his work as humanitarian, claiming people “implore” them for rescue.
* Secrecy & Control:
* The organization doesn’t disclose destinations to users “for security” (to prevent Hamas or the Palestinian Authority from interfering).
* They claim return is possible, but ultimately depends on Israeli approval.
* Process:
- Initial agent: Candidates first contact another agent who requests passport photos and states the price covers all expenses.
- Approval by Israel: Saidum contacts those approved by Israel for travel.
- Last-Minute notification: Travelers are summoned via whatsapp to a meeting point in Gaza with short notice.
- Instructions: They are instructed to say they are part of a French evacuation if questioned.
- Transportation: Buses transport them to Kerem Shalom crossing (Israel/Rafah) and then to Ramon airport.
- Luggage Abandonment: Passengers are forced to leave their luggage behind at the crossing.
Overall impression:
The article paints a picture of an organization operating in a grey area, potentially facilitating a process that, while presented as humanitarian, could be part of a larger, politically motivated effort to alter the demographics of Gaza. The involvement of an Israeli promoter and the reliance on Israeli approval for travel raise significant questions about the true nature of Al Majd Europe’s activities. The secrecy surrounding the process and the instructions given to travelers further suggest a intentional attempt to obscure the organization’s role and intentions.