🔗 Share this article The South African government to Examine Baffling Landing of Plane Transporting Palestinian Nationals from Gaza Roughly 23 individuals have afterwards left to different locations, officials state South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that an investigation will be launched into the puzzling landing of a leased jet transporting 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the country. Initial Admission Denial The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially blocked from entering and remained in the jet for more than 10 hours as they "were missing the usual departure stamps in their passports", airport representatives stated. Most were eventually permitted to enter after assistance from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the government's "compassion [and] sympathy", Ramaphosa stated. The particulars of their exit from the Gaza Strip and flight to the country are still unknown. Political Setting The country has upheld consistent advocacy for the Palestinian struggle during the war between Hamas and the Israeli government in Gaza. Ramaphosa commented the group "somehow puzzlingly were put on a jet that traveled through Nairobi" and traveled to the country. "The residents departed from the Gaza Strip after obtaining clearance from a another state to welcome them," announced an defense organization that controls Gaza's border points. Embassy Statement Per the official representation in South Africa, the passengers departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and journeyed to the state via the Nairobi, "absent advance notification or planning". A announcement from the official office claimed "an unauthorized and false group [had] used the tragic living situation of our citizens in Gaza, tricked individuals, took payments from them, and arranged their movement in an irregular and irresponsible manner". Current Status Among the 153 travelers, 23 were able to continue to different locations, with 130 who were allowed into the territory, national representatives report. Ramaphosa, addressing during an gathering in Johannesburg, mentioned he was made aware of the ongoing issue by the interior official. In reply, the president declared "we must not refuse them", as reported by domestic news. "Although they do not have the required identification and documents, these are people from a conflict-ridden, a battle-scarred country," he remarked. Official Measures The head of state also stated to media representatives the South African government would carry out a "proper assessment" of the matter and inform the public on "current developments and how this matter occurred in its current state", according to government television. Interior Official Leon Schreiber stated that while Palestinian passport-holders were eligible for 90-day no-visa entry to the country, the non-existence of exit markings, round-trip fares or residence details in certain of the individuals' papers led to the first rejection to let them into the country. Once it was determined that the lack of this details "did not indicate that the individuals wanted to seek protection" and their accommodation was confirmed, they were permitted to enter. "Each of the individuals are in possession of current identification papers and, currently, zero of them have sought refuge," he confirmed. Aid Assistance South African charity has said it will provide the group with lodging in the territory. Community groups in the country have requested investigations into the circumstances the Palestinian nationals had escaped in the Gaza Strip and the specific journey of the jet. An individual of the Palestinian nationals who was interviewed by local media voiced his relief to be in the country, portraying it as a land of "harmony, regulations and equity". "We arrived from the Gaza Strip where we've faced mortality on regularly. We have survived a war of an extended period and we are lucky to be in this place," said one man who had fled with his partner and offspring. Criticism and Calls for Accountability The aid foundation has afterwards called for Ramaphosa to examine the home affairs ministry and immigration officials for the "embarrassment they've created" the Palestinian nationals. The group's founder claimed this handling consisted of being made to remain for hours on the tarmac at the terminal, being refused food supplied by the organization and "employing various justifications in the guide to block these travelers from leaving the plane". Traditional Backing South Africa has been strongly opposed of the Israeli defense actions in the Gaza Strip. The state's support for the Palestinian struggle for an self-governing country goes back decades, particularly the beginning of the 1990s when national hero Nelson Mandela committed support for the Palestinian struggle. Substantial supporting Palestine protests have been conducted throughout the country since the war commenced. Less numerous supporting Israel demonstrations and events have been organized in the nation, which hosts the largest Jewish residents in the continent. In 2023, the South African government lodged a legal action against the nation with the International Court of Justice, alleging it of mass killing in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has strongly rejected the allegation, calling it "unsubstantiated".