South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an investigation into the arrival of 153 Palestinians from Gaza, who were initially refused entry due to lack of departure stamps in their passports.
The group was eventually allowed in after intervention from a local charity, Gift of the Givers, and the government’s empathy.
The circumstances of their departure from Gaza and travel to South Africa remain unclear, with the Palestinian embassy stating they left Israel’s Ramon Airport and flew via Nairobi “without prior note or coordination”. Israel’s military body Cogat said the residents left Gaza with approval from a third country.
Of the 153, 23 have flown to other destinations, leaving 130 in the country.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the lack of documentation initially raised concerns, but they were granted entry after confirming their accommodation and valid passports.
Gift of the Givers has called for an investigation into the home affairs ministry and border authority for the “humiliation” caused to the Palestinians, who were stuck on the plane for over 10 hours.
