South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an investigation will be launched into the puzzling appearance of a leased jet transporting 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the territory.
First Entry Denial
The passengers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first denied admission and remained in the plane for in excess of 10 hours as they "lacked the usual passport endorsements in their identification papers", local authorities stated.
A large portion were finally granted entry after assistance from a local charity and because of the administration's "compassion [and] humanity", Ramaphosa stated.
The circumstances of their departure from the Gaza Strip and travel to South Africa remain unclear.
International Context
The country has upheld strong support for the Palestinian rights during the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
Ramaphosa said the group "in some way mysteriously were placed aboard a plane that passed by Nairobi" and flew to South Africa.
"The travelers left the Gaza Strip after receiving authorization from a third country to welcome them," stated an government agency that controls Gaza's entry-exit locations.
Diplomatic Comment
According to the official representation in the country, the group exited Israel's Ramon Airport and flew to the country via the Kenyan capital, "absent advance notification or coordination".
A announcement from the embassy stated "a non-official and misleading entity [had] exploited the difficult circumstances of our citizens in the Gaza Strip, deceived individuals, received funds from them, and organized their movement in an irregular and reckless fashion".
Present Situation
Of the 153 travelers, 23 succeeded to continue to alternative locations, with 130 who were admitted into the nation, South African authorities confirm.
Ramaphosa, talking during an function in Johannesburg, stated he was informed of the unfolding situation by the government representative.
In reply, the head of state stated "we are unable to send them away", as reported by local media.
"Although they lack the necessary documents and records, these are persons from a conflict-ridden, a violence-plagued land," he continued.
Government Measures
The head of state also told journalists the country's leadership would carry out a "comprehensive review" of the situation and inform the citizens on "ongoing events and the manner in which this matter developed as it stands", as stated by national media.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that while travelers from Palestine were eligible for 90-day visa-free admission to the country, the non-existence of exit markings, homeward journeys or residence details in some of the travellers' records caused the original denial to allow them into the territory.
Once it was established that the non-presence of this details "did not indicate that the passengers wanted to apply for protection" and their housing was confirmed, they were granted entry.
"Every one of the travellers are in possession of current passports and, now, none of them have sought refuge," he stated.
Humanitarian Response
Domestic aid group has stated it will provide the travelers with lodging in the territory.
Community groups in the country have requested examinations into the circumstances the Palestinian nationals had fled in the Gaza Strip and the specific path of the aircraft.
A single of the travelers who spoke to South African news shared his thankfulness to be in the country, portraying it as a land of "harmony, laws and equity".
"We arrived from the Gaza Strip where we've faced mortality on regularly. We have endured a war of an extended period and we are fortunate to be in this place," stated a male passenger who had fled with his spouse and kids.
Criticism and Demands for Investigation
The charity group has since called for Ramaphosa to investigate the government agency and border authority for the "disrespect they've created" the travelers.
The group's founder stated this treatment consisted of being required to wait for hours on the tarmac at the terminal, being refused food supplied by the group and "employing various justifications in the book to block these passengers from disembarking".
Historical Advocacy
South Africa has been highly critical of the Israeli defense actions in the Gaza Strip.
The country's sympathy for the Palestinian fight for an independent state goes back many years, particularly the early 1990s when national hero Nelson Mandela vowed backing for the Palestinian rights.
Significant supporting Palestine demonstrations have been conducted across South Africa since the conflict started.
Smaller in favor of Israeli policies rallies and rallies have been conducted in the state, which contains the largest Jewish residents in the continent.
In the previous year, the country's leadership filed a lawsuit against Israel with the world court, accusing it of systematic destruction in Gaza. The Israeli government has strongly rejected the accusation, labeling it "without foundation".
