Investigation Launched into Arrival of Palestinian Refugees in South Africa

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:09:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The South African government is investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrival of a chartered flight carrying 153 Palestinians, who faced entry issues upon landing in Johannesburg.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced an investigation into the arrival of 153 Palestinians on a chartered flight from Gaza to South Africa. Initially denied entry due to lack of proper documentation, most were eventually allowed in following local charity intervention. The conditions of their departure and travel are unclear, with issues raised about the conduct of the home affairs ministry. Civil societies are calling for more inquiries into the irregularities of the situation.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that an investigation will be conducted regarding the mysterious circumstances surrounding the arrival of a chartered plane transporting 153 Palestinians from Gaza.

The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but was initially denied entry and remained stuck on the plane for over 10 hours due to not having the required departure stamps in their passports, as confirmed by local authorities.

After intervention from a local charity and citing the government’s “empathy and compassion,” the majority were eventually allowed entry.

The specifics of their departure from Gaza and travel to South Africa remain unclear.

South Africa has consistently shown strong support for the Palestinian cause amid ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Ramaphosa shared that the group had been inexplicably placed on a plane that reportedly passed through Nairobi en route to South Africa, as reported by News24.

Cogat, the Israeli military body overseeing Gaza's crossings, stated that their departure was approved by a third country.

According to the Palestinian embassy in South Africa, the group flew from Israel's Ramon Airport to South Africa via Nairobi without prior coordination or notification. It was stated that an unregistered organization had exploited the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, deceiving families and facilitating their travel in an irresponsible manner.

Of the 153 travelers, 23 managed to proceed to other destinations, leaving 130 admitted into South Africa. Ramaphosa, addressing the unfolding situation during an event in Johannesburg, emphasized that the country could not turn them back, stating, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country.

The president committed to a thoughtful evaluation of the situation and to provide updates on its developments.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber noted that while Palestinian passport holders are eligible for 90 days of visa-exempt access to South Africa, the lack of departure stamps, return tickets, or accommodation details in some documents hindered initial entry. Once reassured that the missing information did not imply asylum-seeking intentions, they were granted entry.

Gift of the Givers, a South African charity, plans to arrange accommodation for the group. Local civil societies have called for thorough investigations into the conditions faced by the Palestinians in Gaza and the flight's route.

One Palestinian expressed relief upon arrival, describing South Africa as a land of peace, laws and justice, reflecting on the daily threats faced in Gaza. The organization has since urged for accountability regarding the treatment the Palestinians experienced upon arrival.

South African criticism of Israel’s military operations has been longstanding, and the nation has historically advocated for Palestinian statehood. Public demonstrations supporting Palestinians have surged since the conflict began, amidst a backdrop of anti-apartheid leaders like Nelson Mandela pledging solidarity with their cause.