A group of 153 Palestinians from Gaza landed unexpectedly in South Africa on Thursday, prompting diplomatic inquiries and humanitarian responses, Ravenewsonline reports.
The passengers, who arrived aboard a chartered flight, were held on the aircraft for nearly 12 hours at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport due to the absence of Israeli departure stamps in their passports, according to South African border officials.
The South African Department of Home Affairs later permitted 130 of the individuals to enter the country after local humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers, pledged to provide temporary accommodation. The remaining 23 passengers continued to other destinations.
COGAT, the Israeli agency overseeing civil affairs in Palestinian territories, confirmed that the group had received prior approval to exit Gaza following the submission of third-country visas. However, the identity of the receiving country was not initially disclosed.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously to AFP, stated that the evacuation was coordinated by an unnamed organisation that had arranged the necessary travel documents.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern over the incident, stating that the arrival of the group appeared “mysterious” and likening it to a forced displacement. “It seems like they were being flushed out,” Ramaphosa told journalists on Friday.
South Africa’s intelligence services have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the flight, including who chartered it and the nature of the coordination with Israeli authorities.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, COGAT says it has facilitated the departure of over 40,000 Gaza residents to third countries for medical treatment, family reunification, or visa-based relocation.
South Africa, which maintains a strong stance in support of the Palestinian cause, filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in 2023, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
Ravenewsonline reports that the situation continues to unfold as diplomatic channels seek clarity on the humanitarian and legal implications of the arrivals.
