South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says there will be an investigation into the mysterious arrival of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the country.
The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially refused entry and were stuck in the plane for more than 10 hours as they did not have the customary departure stamps in their passports, local authorities said.
Most were eventually allowed in after an intervention from a local charity and because of the government's empathy [and] compassion, Ramaphosa said.
The circumstances of their departure from Gaza and travel to South Africa remain unclear.
South Africa has maintained strong support for the Palestinian cause throughout the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
Ramaphosa stated that the group somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and flew to South Africa, reports the News24 site.
Israeli military body Cogat, which controls Gaza's crossings, noted in a statement that the residents left the Gaza Strip after approval was given from a third country to receive them; however, it did not specify which country.
According to the Palestinian embassy in South Africa, the group departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and flew to South Africa via the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, without any prior notice or coordination. The embassy accused an unregistered and misleading organization of exploiting families for money while facilitating their irregular and irresponsible travel.
Of the group of 153, 23 managed to move on to other destinations, leaving 130 admitted into the country.
Ramaphosa emphasized, we cannot turn them back, stressing the dire situation they fled from. Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country. The government has committed to conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and provide public updates.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that while Palestinian passport-holders qualify for 90-day visa-exempt access to South Africa, the initial lack of departure stamps and other required documents led to their rejection upon arrival. After investigation showed no intent to seek asylum, the group was permitted entry.
South African charity Gift of the Givers announced that it would provide the group with accommodation in the country. Civil societies are demanding investigations into the conditions that forced these Palestinians to escape Gaza, as one individual expressed relief at landing in a country of peace, laws, and justice.
