South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an investigation into the mysterious arrival of a chartered plane that brought 153 Palestinians from Gaza to South Africa. The flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport, where the passengers were initially denied entry because they lacked customary departure stamps in their passports, resulting in over 10 hours stranded on the tarmac.
After intervention from the charity Gift of the Givers and a display of government compassion, most of the group was eventually permitted to enter the country, although the exact circumstances of their travel remain unclear. Ramaphosa remarked on the plight of the group, stating that we cannot turn them back despite their documentation issues.
The group's evacuation and route were questioned, as they reportedly departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and passed through Nairobi, Kenya, before reaching South Africa. The South African government has historically supported the Palestinian cause, with Ramaphosa stressing humanitarian support in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber clarified that although Palestinian passport-holders can enter South Africa without a visa for 90 days, the absence of necessary travel documentation led to initial refusals. After confirming accommodation arrangements, the travelers were allowed entry, with charity organizations pledging to assist them.
The mystery surrounding their journey has prompted calls for greater transparency and investigations into the conditions from which the Palestinians fled. Ramaphosa pledged a thorough evaluation of the incident and to keep the public informed moving forward.
