🔗 Share this article

The nation's leader Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that an inquiry will be launched into the puzzling landing of a leased jet carrying 153 individuals from Palestine from the Gaza Strip into the territory.

Initial Admission Denial

The passengers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally refused entry and were stuck in the aircraft for over 10 hours as they "lacked the usual departure stamps in their travel documents", airport representatives confirmed.

A large portion were finally allowed in after intervention from a local charity and because of the government's "empathy [and] sympathy", Ramaphosa stated.

The details of their exit from the Gaza Strip and flight to the nation are still unknown.

International Setting

The nation has upheld firm backing for the Palestinian cause amid the conflict between the Hamas organization and the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa said the passengers "through unknown means puzzlingly were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi" and flew to the country.

"The travelers left the Gaza territory after obtaining clearance from a foreign nation to receive them," stated an defense organization that manages Gaza's crossings.

Embassy Declaration

Per the official representation in the nation, the group departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and journeyed to the country via the Kenyan capital, "absent previous coordination or coordination".

A declaration from the diplomatic mission said "a non-official and misleading entity [had] taken advantage of the devastating living situation of our citizens in the Gaza Strip, tricked households, collected money from them, and arranged their journey in an irregular and careless way".

Present Situation

From the 153 individuals, 23 succeeded to travel to other locations, resulting in 130 who were granted entry into the country, government officials say.

Ramaphosa, speaking during an event in the urban center, said he was made aware of the developing situation by the government representative.

In reaction, the head of state stated "we cannot send them away", according to domestic news.

"Although they do not have the appropriate identification and papers, these are people from a conflict-ridden, a war-torn country," he remarked.

Official Action

The head of state also stated to reporters the country's leadership would carry out a "thorough review" of the issue and inform the public on "current developments and the manner in which this matter came to be in its current state", per public broadcaster.

Interior Official Leon Schreiber commented that while Palestinian passport-holders were eligible for 90-day visa-exempt admission to South Africa, the lack of exit markings, return tickets or residence details in certain of the travellers' papers led to the initial refusal to let them into the territory.

When it was determined that the lack of this data "did not suggest that the individuals intended to apply for asylum" and their housing was established, they were allowed in.

"Every one of the individuals are in holding of valid passports and, at present, none of them have sought refuge," he said.

Support Assistance

Domestic aid group has said it will offer the group with housing in the country.

Non-governmental organizations in the nation have called for investigations into the situation the Palestinian nationals had escaped in the Gaza Strip and the precise path of the plane.

One of the travelers who communicated with local media shared his thankfulness to be in the country, describing it as a nation of "harmony, regulations and equity".

"We traveled from Gaza where we've encountered mortality on daily basis. We have endured a war of 24 months and we are lucky to be in South Africa," said one man who had fled with his wife and two children.

Concerns and Requests for Action

The charity group has afterwards requested Ramaphosa to examine the government agency and border authority for the "disrespect they've inflicted" the Palestinian nationals.

The foundation's founder claimed this conduct involved being made to wait for hours on the runway at the airport, being prevented from receiving meals offered by the charity and "utilizing all possible reasons in the book to stop these individuals from leaving the plane".

Long-standing Backing

The country has been highly critical of the Israeli armed campaign in Gaza.

The country's sympathy for the Palestinian fight for an sovereign nation extends decades, particularly the beginning of the 1990s when national hero Nelson Mandela committed support for the Palestinian rights.

Significant in favor of Palestinian rights demonstrations have been held around the nation since the hostilities commenced.

Less numerous supporting Israel marches and events have been organized in the country, which has the biggest Jewish community in the region.

In the previous year, the national administration lodged a case against the nation with the global judicial body, charging it of mass killing in the Gaza Strip. Israel has categorically refused the allegation, labeling it "baseless".