South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that an investigation will be launched into the mysterious arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza. The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg but faced initial denial of entry due to not having the customary departure stamps in their passports, leaving them stranded on the tarmac for more than 10 hours.
Following intervention from a local charity and a decision driven by 'empathy' from the government, most of the group were eventually allowed to enter South Africa. The reasons behind their journey from Gaza to South Africa remain unclear, with local authorities acknowledging the opaqueness of the situation.
South Africa has historically positioned itself as a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause. Ramaphosa stated that the group had been placed on a plane that passed through Nairobi, though details of their departure from Gaza remain vague. Israeli officials indicated that the residents departed Gaza after receiving approval from an unspecified third country.
The Palestinian embassy in South Africa clarified that the group fled from Israel's Ramon Airport and had traveled uncoordinated via Nairobi. Concern was raised over the exploitation of vulnerable families in the Gaza Strip by an unregistered organization, which allegedly charged fees for arranging their passage.
A total of 23 individuals from the group have since traveled to other destinations, with 130 being admitted to South Africa. Ramaphosa emphasized that turning them back was not an option, highlighting their circumstances as refugees from a war-torn region.
Officials will evaluate the matter and provide transparency regarding how these individuals came to be in South Africa without necessary documentation. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber noted that Palestinian passport-holders are typically eligible for 90-day visa exemption but faced issues due to missing departure stamps and accommodation details.
Civil rights groups in South Africa are also demanding an inquiry into the conditions that led to the Palestinians being denied entry, with the charity Gift of the Givers offering support to the group. In their remarks, one Palestinian expressed relief to be in a place viewed as a sanctuary compared to the dangers faced daily in Gaza.
As pro-Palestinian sentiments surge in South Africa, following a history of solidarity during the long struggle against apartheid, the government continues to critique Israel's actions in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
