South Africa is investigating the arrival of 153 Palestinians who landed on a chartered flight from Kenya after being initially denied entry due to missing travel documentation. Authorities admitted 130 passengers under a standard 90-day visa exemption, while 23 continued to other destinations.
The group arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning but was held on the aircraft for nearly 12 hours. Officials cited the absence of departure stamps, return tickets, and accommodation details in the travelers’ passports. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber clarified that none had applied for asylum and that their visa-exempt status allowed entry once accommodation was arranged.
Humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers intervened, offering lodging and support. Founder Imtiaz Sooliman remarked, “The Palestinians had no idea where they were bundled off to, only when in Kenya did they realise they were coming to South Africa.” He added that the visitors had options including temporary visas, student visas, or relocation to countries that accepted them.
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the unusual circumstances, observing, “We obviously need to look at the origins, where it started, the reason why they have been brought here.” He said that the government admitted the group out of compassion and emphasized South Africa’s longstanding support for Palestinians. Intelligence agencies and relevant ministries are reviewing the matter.
The Palestinian embassy and media reports indicated that an unregistered organization facilitated the travel in a “misleading” and “irresponsible” manner, collecting money from families. Some passengers were transported from Gaza through Israeli-controlled crossings and only learned of their final destination in Kenya. Israeli authorities stated the departures were approved by a third country but offered no further details.
South Africa has historically supported Palestinian aspirations and filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in 2023, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. Civil society groups have called for a full inquiry into the conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the sequence of events leading to their arrival in South Africa.
