AP’s investigation was the first to uncover who was behind a series of mysterious flights transporting Palestinians out of Gaza — raising urgent questions about the purpose and implications of the operation.
The reporting began when Sam Mednick, based in Jerusalem, received a tip that Palestinians in Gaza had paid for flights to Indonesia. Months later, after a group arrived in South Africa, she revisited the lead — launching a months-long effort to determine who organized the flights, who the passengers were and what happened to them after leaving Gaza.
Julia Frankel uncovered that the founder of the Israeli company linked to the flights had supported a plan to resettle millions of Palestinians outside Gaza. Meanwhile, Toqa Ezzidin, reporting from Cairo, built trust with Palestinians who had taken the flights, uncovering how the system worked. James Pollard examined the nonprofit organizations involved, assessing their legitimacy and role in the operation.
Gaining access to the passengers proved difficult. Working with colleagues in South Africa, including Gerald Imray and Michelle Gumede, the team spent weeks negotiating with lawyers and advocacy groups before being allowed to interview, film and photograph those who had arrived.
Additional reporting from journalists across multiple regions strengthened the investigation, while Janelle Cogan’s editing shaped the complex findings into a clear and compelling narrative.
Judges praised the team’s persistence and collaboration in uncovering a secretive effort with major humanitarian and political implications.
For persistent sourcing work, close collaboration, and detailed and thoughtful reporting, Sam Mednick, Julia Frankel, Toqa Ezzidin, James Pollard and Janelle Cogan win this week’s Best of AP — Second Winner.
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