In brief
South African authorities are investigating the unexpected arrival of 153 Palestinians from Gaza, who were initially denied entry at OR Tambo International Airport due to documentation issues. The group, later admitted following humanitarian intervention, raises questions about their journey and the role of external parties in facilitating their travel. The South African government reaffirms its support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an investigation into the mysterious arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza. The group landed at OR Tambo International Airport but faced initial entry denial due to a lack of customary departure stamps in their passports, resulting in a more than ten-hour wait on the tarmac.
With a local charity's intervention and the South African government's compassionate response, most of the Palestinians were eventually permitted into the country. However, the circumstances of their departure from Gaza and arrangements for their travel remain unclear.
Ramaphosa remarked that the group's entry was a reflection of South Africa's supportive stance towards the Palestinian cause, as the country has consistently backed Palestine throughout the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Reports indicate that the plane traveled through Nairobi en route to South Africa.
The Israeli military body Cogat confirmed that the Palestinians left Gaza following approval from a third country, but did not elaborate on the specifics. The Palestinian embassy in South Africa stated that the group traveled from Israel's Ramon Airport to South Africa without prior coordination.
Of the 153 individuals, 130 were granted entry, while 23 managed to continue to other destinations. South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated the travelers initially lacked proper documentation, such as departure stamps or confirmed accommodation.
Gift of the Givers, a South African charity, has taken responsibility for providing accommodation to the newcomers. Civil society groups are urging investigations into the conditions faced by the Palestinians in Gaza and the precise nature of their transport. The group shared their relief upon reaching South Africa, describing it as a sanctuary compared to the turmoil in Gaza.
Gift of the Givers has called on President Ramaphosa to assess the handling of the Palestinians' entry, criticizing the initial treatment they received in the airport. The South African government's commitment to Palestinian support is rooted in a longstanding historical context, with actions such as filing a genocide case against Israel forming part of its political stance.
