South Africa probes 'mystery' flight after Palestinians held on tarmac
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South Africa launches an investigation after 153 Palestinians fleeing the Gaza war arrived by chartered plane at OR Tambo Airport without proper documentation.
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Passengers check in at a counter at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa, November 29, 2021 (AP)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that his government will investigate the circumstances surrounding the unexpected arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza at OR Tambo International Airport.
The group, fleeing the Israeli aggression on Gaza, was initially denied entry upon landing, with authorities citing irregular travel documentation, including missing departure stamps. The passengers remained confined to the aircraft for over 10 hours before most were eventually allowed entry.
Most were eventually allowed in after intervention from a local charity, and because of the government's "empathy [and] compassion," the president said.
The circumstances of their departure from Gaza and travel to South Africa remain unclear.
Read more: Palestinian conditions worse than South African apartheid: Mandela
Government cites lack of documentation and coordination
According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, many of the passengers did not present customary departure stamps in their passports and lacked return tickets or confirmed accommodation details. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that although Palestinian passport holders are eligible for a 90-day visa-exempt entry, the absence of such travel details initially raised red flags.
Once authorities verified that the passengers were not seeking asylum and had confirmed places of stay, entry was granted to 130 individuals, while 23 others continued to different destinations.
“All of the travellers are in possession of valid passports and, at present, none of them have applied for asylum,” Schreiber clarified.
Read more: Heavy storm floods tents in Gaza, worsening displacement crisis
Ramaphosa: ‘We cannot turn them back’
Speaking at an event in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said he was informed of the situation by the home affairs minister and emphasized that the group could not be sent back.
“Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country,” he said.
The South African president pledged a “proper evaluation” of the case and committed to informing the public on how the group arrived and under what conditions. Local reports indicate the plane had transited through Nairobi, Kenya, before landing in Johannesburg.
Civil society demands accountability, support
The Palestinian embassy in South Africa issued a statement condemning the circumstances under which the group travelled, blaming an unnamed organization for exploiting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The embassy stated that this group had deceived families, collected money, and arranged travel “in an irregular and irresponsible manner."
Civil society groups have called for a full investigation, not only into the route and conditions of travel but also into the humanitarian situation that compelled the Palestinians to flee Gaza.
One of the Palestinians who spoke to local television described South Africa as a place of “peace, laws and justice,” adding, “We came from Gaza where we've faced death on daily basis. We have survived a war of two years and we are lucky to be here.”
Read more: UNRWA: 'Israel' violating law by blocking urgent Gaza aid deliveries
South Africa’s broader stance on the Gaza war
South Africa has long expressed strong support for the Palestinian cause, especially in light of the recent war waged by "Israel" on Gaza. The government has been one of the most vocal international critics of "Israel’s" genocide in the Strip.
In 2023, South Africa filed a case against "Israel" at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim "Israel" has dismissed as “baseless".
Since then, several countries joined South Africa's case in support of Gaza.
Public solidarity with Palestine has been visible in large-scale protests across South Africa, with civil society organizations, religious groups, and trade unions calling for accountability and an end to "Israel's" occupation.
Smaller pro-"Israel" demonstrations have also taken place in the country, which is home to the largest Jewish community in sub-Saharan Africa.
Read more: The Silent Genocide: South Africa and its role in supporting Gaza
