South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says there will be an investigation into the mysterious arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the country.
The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially refused entry, stuck in the plane for more than 10 hours due to lack of customary departure stamps in their passports, according to local authorities.
Most were eventually allowed in after intervention from a local charity, motivated by the government's empathy [and] compassion, Ramaphosa elaborated.
The exact circumstances of their departure from Gaza and subsequent travel to South Africa remain unclear. South Africa has historically supported the Palestinian cause during ongoing conflicts, with Ramaphosa noting how the group was mysteriously put on a plane that passed by Nairobi before arriving in South Africa.
The Israeli military body Cogat reportedly approved their exit from Gaza after receiving permission from a third country. They are said to have flown into South Africa via Kenya without prior note or coordination.
The Palestinian embassy in South Africa claimed that an unregistered and misleading organization had exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions in Gaza to facilitate their irregular travel.
While 23 of the passengers managed to continue to other destinations, authorities confirmed that 130 were admitted into South Africa. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that Palestinian passport holders qualify for 90-day visa-free access but lacked proper documentation initially, leading to their refusal of entry.
Following further checks, it was confirmed they did not wish to apply for asylum, and once their accommodations were verified, entry was granted. All travelers possessed valid passports, and none have sought asylum.
South African charity, Gift of the Givers, has committed to assisting the group with accommodations and care.
The treatment experienced by the Palestinians has raised concerns, with calls for investigations into the actions of South Africa's border authorities. One passenger expressed gratitude for being in South Africa, describing it as a place of peace, laws, and justice amidst the horrid conditions of Gaza.
As the situation continues to develop, the South African government pledges a thorough evaluation to inform the public of the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza remain a focal point of international concern, with South Africa's support for the Palestinian cause a long-standing aspect of its foreign policy.
