South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation after a chartered aircraft carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza landed without proper documentation. The passengers were initially denied entry and remained on the plane for over 10 hours before most gained admission through intervention by a local charity and government compassion. Israeli military authorities confirmed the group departed after receiving approval from an unnamed third country, while the Palestinian embassy stated an unregistered organization exploited desperate families and collected payments for irregular travel arrangements.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that missing departure stamps and accommodation details prompted the initial rejection, but entry was granted after establishing that the travelers did not seek asylum. The Gift of the Givers charity provided housing and subsequently criticized border officials for their treatment of the passengers. One Palestinian described surviving two years of conflict and expressed gratitude for reaching a nation of peace and justice.
South Africa has maintained strong support for Palestinians, including filing genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that missing departure stamps and accommodation details prompted the initial rejection, but entry was granted after establishing that the travelers did not seek asylum. The Gift of the Givers charity provided housing and subsequently criticized border officials for their treatment of the passengers. One Palestinian described surviving two years of conflict and expressed gratitude for reaching a nation of peace and justice.
South Africa has maintained strong support for Palestinians, including filing genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
