South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an investigation into the mysterious arrival of a chartered plane transporting 153 Palestinians from Gaza. Upon landing at OR Tambo International Airport, the group was denied entry for over 10 hours due to missing departure stamps in their passports.
Eventually, they were permitted to enter the country following advocacy from a local charity and actions of empathy from the government, as President Ramaphosa highlighted.
The specifics surrounding their departure from Gaza and travel to South Africa remain ambiguous. Ramaphosa articulated that it was crucial to demonstrate compassion towards refugees from war-torn nations, stating, we cannot turn them back. These are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country.
Additionally, South Africa has maintained a firm stance in support of the Palestinian cause amidst the Gaza conflict, and Ramaphosa noted that the group entered the country under uncertain circumstances, having traveled via Nairobi without proper coordination.
Israeli military authorities suggested that the group received approval from a third nation to exit Gaza, though they did not specify which country. Following their arrival, about 23 of them proceeded to other destinations, with 130 remaining in South Africa.
The government intends to conduct a detailed evaluation of how the situation unfolded, pledging transparency in its findings. Local charities like Gift of the Givers have stepped in to assist the newcomers, providing them with necessary accommodations.
In response to the treatment received during their wait at the airport, Gift of the Givers has called for a thorough investigation and accountability from the South African home affairs ministry, citing inhumane conditions faced by the Palestinians.
Throughout this ordeal, the sympathy expressed for the Palestinian plight remains rooted in South Africa’s historical commitments to support those facing oppression. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the nation have surged since the conflict's beginning, reaffirming a long-standing national solidarity with Palestinian struggles against military incursions.
