🔗 Share this article

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that a probe will be conducted into the puzzling appearance of a leased jet carrying 153 Palestinian nationals from Gaza into the nation.

First Access Refusal

The travelers touched down at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially blocked from entering and remained in the plane for more than 10 hours as they "lacked the usual exit markings in their identification papers", local authorities reported.

Most were finally permitted to enter after assistance from a South African aid group and because of the administration's "understanding [and] compassion", Ramaphosa remarked.

The details of their leaving from the Gaza Strip and journey to South Africa remain unclear.

International Setting

South Africa has continued strong support for the Palestinian struggle throughout the hostilities between the Hamas organization and the Israeli government in Gaza.

Ramaphosa stated the travelers "somehow unexplainably were boarded a plane that passed by Nairobi" and flew to the country.

"The travelers departed from the Gaza Strip after securing authorization from a third country to accept them," stated an government agency that controls Gaza's border points.

Official Declaration

Based on the diplomatic mission in the country, the group departed from a facility in Israel and flew to the country via the Kenya's main city, "without any prior note or arrangement".

A declaration from the embassy claimed "an unauthorized and misleading entity [had] exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our citizens in Gaza, tricked households, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and reckless way".

Present Status

Of the 153 individuals, 23 were able to travel to alternative destinations, leaving 130 who were allowed into the country, government officials report.

Ramaphosa, talking during an function in the city, stated he was informed of the developing issue by the home affairs minister.

In reaction, the leader stated "we must not turn them back", per South African reporting.

"Although they are without the necessary documents and papers, these are individuals from a strife-torn, a battle-scarred land," he remarked.

Administrative Action

The leader also informed media representatives the country's leadership would carry out a "comprehensive review" of the issue and inform the public on "what is happening and how this matter developed where it is", according to public broadcaster.

Interior Official Leon Schreiber said that while travelers from Palestine qualified for 90-day visa-free admission to the nation, the non-existence of departure stamps, homeward journeys or accommodation addresses in various of the individuals' papers caused the initial denial to let them into the country.

When it was determined that the non-presence of this details "did not suggest that the travellers wished to request refugee status" and their housing was established, they were permitted to enter.

"Each of the passengers are in holding of legitimate identification papers and, at present, not one of them have requested refuge," he confirmed.

Support Response

South African charity has said it will provide the group with lodging in the territory.

Civil societies in the country have requested examinations into the circumstances the Palestinians had left in the Gaza Strip and the exact path of the jet.

One of the Palestinians who communicated with South African news voiced his thankfulness to be in the country, characterizing it as a country of "tranquility, regulations and fairness".

"We arrived from Gaza where we've encountered danger on regularly. We have survived a conflict of 24 months and we are fortunate to be here," said one man who had departed with his wife and kids.

Criticism and Demands for Action

The humanitarian organization has since called for Ramaphosa to investigate the home affairs ministry and immigration officials for the "humiliation they've caused" the Palestinian nationals.

The foundation's leader claimed this treatment consisted of being forced to wait for hours on the runway at the facility, being denied food offered by the group and "using various justifications in the book to block these travelers from exiting the aircraft".

Historical Backing

The country has been sharply disapproving of the Israeli defense actions in Gaza.

The state's support for the Palestinian fight for an sovereign nation extends a long time, notably the start of the last decade when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela pledged backing for the Palestinian struggle.

Large pro-Palestinian protests have been conducted around the country since the conflict began.

Smaller in favor of Israeli policies rallies and rallies have been organized in the country, which contains the most significant Jewish population in the region.

In 2023, the country's leadership lodged a lawsuit against the nation with the world court, alleging it of mass killing in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has firmly denied the accusation, describing it "baseless".