🔗 Share this article

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that a probe will be conducted into the unexplained arrival of a leased jet bringing 153 Palestinian nationals from the Gaza Strip into the nation.

First Admission Rejection

The travelers touched down at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally refused entry and remained in the plane for more than 10 hours as they "lacked the customary exit markings in their identification papers", local authorities reported.

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

The details of their exit from the Gaza Strip and travel to the country continue to be mysterious.

Political Context

The nation has upheld consistent advocacy for the Palestinian rights during the hostilities between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.

Ramaphosa commented the passengers "somehow puzzlingly were placed aboard a jet that passed by Nairobi" and continued to the nation.

"These individuals left the Palestinian enclave after securing clearance from a another state to receive them," declared an government agency that oversees Gaza's border points.

Embassy Declaration

Based on the official representation in the nation, the travelers exited an Israeli airport and traveled to the state via the Kenya's main city, "absent prior note or planning".

A announcement from the embassy claimed "an unregistered and deceptive organization [had] taken advantage of the tragic living situation of our people in Gaza, deceived individuals, took payments from them, and facilitated their movement in an irregular and reckless manner".

Present Situation

Among the 153 individuals, 23 managed to continue to other destinations, with 130 who were admitted into the territory, South African authorities confirm.

Ramaphosa, speaking during an event in the urban center, stated he was notified of the ongoing situation by the interior official.

In reaction, the head of state declared "we must not turn them back", as reported by South African reporting.

"Although they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are individuals from a strife-torn, a battle-scarred country," he continued.

Official Response

The leader also informed journalists the country's leadership would carry out a "comprehensive assessment" of the issue and update the public on "ongoing events and how this situation came to be in its current state", according to public broadcaster.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber commented that while travelers from Palestine qualified for 90-day visa-free entry to the nation, the non-existence of departure stamps, round-trip fares or residence details in certain of the travellers' documentation led to the first refusal to let them into the nation.

Once it was confirmed that the lack of this information "did not indicate that the individuals wished to request refugee status" and their accommodation was established, they were allowed in.

"All of the travellers are in ownership of current passports and, currently, not one of them have sought protection," he confirmed.

Support Response

Local humanitarian organization has announced it will offer the group with lodging in the country.

Civil societies in the country have demanded inquiries into the situation the Palestinian nationals had fled in Gaza and the specific path of the jet.

An individual of the Palestinians who spoke to local media expressed his relief to be in the nation, portraying it as a country of "harmony, rules and justice".

"We traveled from Gaza where we've encountered death on every day. We have endured a hostilities of two years and we are lucky to be here," said a male passenger who had departed with his wife and kids.

Criticism and Demands for Action

The humanitarian organization has since called for Ramaphosa to examine the home affairs ministry and customs service for the "humiliation they've created" the Palestinians.

The group's director claimed this handling included being made to remain for hours on the tarmac at the airport, being prevented from receiving food provided by the group and "using all possible reasons in the guide to block these travelers from disembarking".

Traditional Advocacy

South Africa has been sharply disapproving of the Israeli military operation in Gaza.

The state's sympathy for the Palestinian fight for an sovereign nation dates back many years, especially the beginning of the 1990s when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela vowed backing for the Palestinian rights.

Large supporting Palestine demonstrations have been organized throughout South Africa since the conflict started.

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

In the previous year, the South African government lodged a legal action against Israel with the world court, accusing it of systematic destruction in the Gaza Strip. The nation has categorically refused the allegation, describing it "baseless".