South Africa has declared it will not authorize any more charter flights transporting Palestinians, following the recent and controversial arrival of a group of 153 from Gaza. According to Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, there are strong suspicions regarding the motives behind these flights, suggesting they align with a broader agenda to 'cleanse' Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
The Israeli government has yet to address these allegations, but they maintain that South Africa had agreed to accept the recent arrivals. Disputes surrounding the circumstances of their travel and entry procedures have also arisen, leading the Palestinian embassy in South Africa to indicate that the group left Israel without 'prior note or coordination.'
Upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, the passengers were initially denied entry, claiming they lacked proper travel documentation, as many did not have departure stamps in their passports. After prolonged negotiations, including intervention by a local charity, 130 of the group were eventually admitted into South Africa.
Lamola noted during a recent media briefing that the flight may be part of a concerted effort to remove Palestinians to various countries worldwide, as similar flights had been reported elsewhere. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has heightened scrutiny of such movements, with South Africa historically supporting Palestinian rights.
The recent situation reflects South Africa's historical alignment with the Palestinian cause, stemming from the era of Nelson Mandela's administration and intensified due to developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As tensions continue to mount globally surrounding the situation in Gaza, South Africa's government has accused Israel of engaging in genocidal actions against Palestinians, a claim that has been met with denials from Israeli authorities.
