🔗 Share this article

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an investigation will be conducted into the puzzling landing of a private aircraft carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the nation.

Primary Access Denial

The passengers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially refused entry and were stuck in the plane for over 10 hours as they "lacked the standard exit markings in their travel documents", government officials stated.

A large portion were ultimately permitted to enter after support from a local charity and because of the leadership's "compassion [and] sympathy", Ramaphosa remarked.

The circumstances of their leaving from the Gaza Strip and flight to the nation are still unknown.

Diplomatic Background

The country has maintained consistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause during the hostilities between the Hamas organization and Israel in Gaza.

Ramaphosa commented the passengers "somehow puzzlingly were placed aboard a aircraft that traveled through Nairobi" and traveled to the nation.

"These individuals exited the Gaza territory after receiving clearance from a foreign nation to accept them," announced an government agency that manages Gaza's entry-exit locations.

Official Statement

Per the Palestinian embassy in the nation, the passengers departed from a facility in Israel and traveled to the nation via the Nairobi, "absent prior note or planning".

A declaration from the embassy stated "an unauthorized and deceptive organization [had] exploited the difficult humanitarian conditions of our people in the Gaza Strip, tricked families, took payments from them, and facilitated their journey in an irregular and irresponsible manner".

Latest Status

From the 153 travelers, 23 were able to travel to other locations, leaving 130 who were allowed into the territory, government officials report.

Ramaphosa, talking during an event in Johannesburg, stated he was notified of the developing situation by the home affairs minister.

In reply, the leader stated "we cannot refuse them", according to local media.

"Although they lack the necessary papers and documents, these are individuals from a strife-torn, a battle-scarred nation," he continued.

Government Response

The president also informed media representatives the national administration would carry out a "proper assessment" of the situation and update the citizens on "what is happening and the way this case occurred where it is", per government television.

Government Representative Leon Schreiber said that while individuals with Palestinian documents met requirements for 90-day visa-exempt entry to the country, the absence of exit markings, homeward journeys or accommodation addresses in some of the passengers' papers caused the first rejection to allow them into the country.

After it was confirmed that the non-presence of this data "did not indicate that the individuals wanted to seek asylum" and their lodging was confirmed, they were granted entry.

"Each of the passengers are in possession of legitimate passports and, currently, zero of them have requested refuge," he confirmed.

Humanitarian Efforts

South African charity has stated it will provide the travelers with accommodation in the nation.

Community groups in the country have demanded examinations into the situation the Palestinians had fled in Gaza and the precise route of the aircraft.

A single of the travelers who communicated with South African news expressed his thankfulness to be in the nation, describing it as a country of "tranquility, rules and equity".

"We arrived from Gaza where we've faced mortality on daily basis. We have lived through a conflict of an extended period and we are lucky to be in this place," said one man who had escaped with his partner and kids.

Criticism and Calls for Action

The aid foundation has subsequently called for Ramaphosa to look into the government agency and border authority for the "embarrassment they've caused" the Palestinian nationals.

The organization's founder stated this treatment involved being forced to wait for an extended period on the tarmac at the airport, being refused meals supplied by the organization and "utilizing all possible reasons in the guide to block these travelers from leaving the plane".

Historical Support

South Africa has been highly critical of the Israeli armed campaign in Gaza.

The nation's sympathy for the Palestinian struggle for an independent state goes back decades, especially the beginning of the 1990s when historical figure Nelson Mandela committed backing for the Palestinian cause.

Large in favor of Palestinian rights demonstrations have been conducted around the nation since the war started.

Less numerous supporting Israel marches and events have been held in the state, which contains the biggest Jewish residents in the continent.

In 2023, the South African government filed a lawsuit against the Israeli government with the global judicial body, accusing it of systematic destruction in Gaza. Israel has strongly rejected the South African claim, describing it "unsubstantiated".