US EditionMore than 150 Palestinians were held on a plane for around 12 hours in South Africa
- On Thursday, 153 Palestinian passengers were allowed to disembark at OR Tambo after a Global Airways charter from Kenya was held on the tarmac for almost 12 hours until accommodation was guaranteed.
- Because none applied for asylum and documents lacked exit stamps, Border Management Authority said BMA immigration officers denied entry after standard interview questions about duration of stay and accommodation.
- After verification and intervention, 130 Palestinians were processed into South Africa under 90-day visa-exempt entry, while 23 Palestinians transferred onward, with Gift of the Givers guaranteeing accommodation.
- The South African public expressed outrage as Gift of the Givers' Imtiaz Sooliman said children and pregnant women were among those affected, alleging Israel did not stamp their passports and thanking officials including Zane Dangor and Ronald Lamola for assistance.
- Last month a first plane carrying 176 Palestinians landed on October 28, and the BMA said it will continue to uphold legal frameworks while Gift of the Givers with civil society partners provide humanitarian assistance.
63 Articles
63 Articles
The Palestinians did not know that the plane was landing in South Africa, and the authorities do not yet understand how the refugees got out of the Gaza Strip, if they came from there at all.
One aircraft moved 153 Palestinians to South Africa. At least 23 of them have already gone to other destinations, according to the authorities.
Over 150 Gazans detained in South Africa after mysterious flight lands without papers
Over 150 Palestinians from Gaza landed in Johannesburg without documents and were held for 12 hours; South Africa launched a probe; the Palestinian embassy blamed an 'unregistered, misleading' group — allegedly linked to Israel — for organizing the flight
Japan Today
The Straits TimesSouth Africa to probe unexpected arrival of Palestinian group
South Africa granted entry to 130 Palestinians without travel papers after initially barring them but said it will examine accusations that an unregistered organization arranged their trip "in…
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