South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that an investigation will be conducted regarding the arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza at OR Tambo International Airport. Initially, these individuals were denied entry and spent over 10 hours onboard the aircraft due to not having the requisite departure stamps in their passports, according to local authorities.
Following intervention from a charity organization and government authorities, most were eventually granted entry. Ramaphosa stated that their arrival was facilitated by an act of “empathy and compassion” and remarked on the unclear circumstances surrounding their departure from Gaza. The Israeli military’s Cogat, which oversees Gaza’s crossing points, indicated that the residents left after receiving approval from a third country.
The Palestinians reportedly traveled via Israel’s Ramon Airport to South Africa, with the Palestinian embassy claiming the journey lacked prior coordination. Moreover, the embassy noted that an unregistered organization allegedly exploited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza for profit during the travelers’ relocation.
Of the initial 153 individuals, 130 were permitted entry into South Africa, while 23 proceeded to other destinations. Ramaphosa indicated that the government could not refuse entry, emphasizing the people’s plight as they came from a war-torn area.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that while Palestinian passport holders are eligible for 90-day visa-exempt entry, the absence of necessary travel documentation led to the initial detention. Once confirmed that the travelers did not intend to seek asylum and had secured accommodation, they were allowed entry. The local charity Gift of the Givers has offered them support, despite requests for investigations into their treatment during the lengthy entry process.
South Africa has historically supported the Palestinian cause, intensifying its criticism of Israel amid ongoing conflicts, and has taken legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3dn3g4jdxjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss