🔗 Share this article The South African government to Investigate Mysterious Landing of Plane Transporting Palestinian Nationals from the Gaza Strip Roughly 23 travelers have afterwards moved on to other locations, officials confirm South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that an inquiry will be conducted into the puzzling arrival of a leased jet bringing 153 individuals from Palestine from the Gaza Strip into the nation. Primary Admission Rejection The group landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first denied admission and were forced to stay in the aircraft for over 10 hours as they "did not have the standard departure stamps in their identification papers", government officials stated. A large portion were finally granted entry after intervention from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the government's "compassion [and] sympathy", Ramaphosa stated. The particulars of their departure from the Gaza Strip and flight to the country remain unclear. International Setting The nation has upheld firm backing for the Palestinian rights during the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip. Ramaphosa said the group "through unknown means mysteriously were put on a aircraft that traveled through Nairobi" and continued to South Africa. "The residents departed from the Palestinian enclave after obtaining approval from a another state to receive them," announced an government agency that controls Gaza's border points. Embassy Statement Based on the diplomatic mission in the nation, the passengers departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and traveled to the country via the Kenya's main city, "without any prior note or coordination". A statement from the official office said "a non-official and false group [had] exploited the difficult circumstances of our citizens in Gaza, deceived households, took payments from them, and organized their travel in an improper and reckless manner". Latest Circumstances Among the 153 passengers, 23 managed to continue to alternative destinations, leaving 130 who were granted entry into the country, South African authorities say. Ramaphosa, speaking during an gathering in Johannesburg, said he was notified of the developing situation by the home affairs minister. In reaction, the leader declared "we must not turn them back", according to local media. "Although they are without the required identification and records, these are people from a conflict-ridden, a violence-plagued nation," he added. Administrative Measures The leader also stated to reporters the national administration would carry out a "comprehensive review" of the matter and update the public on "what is happening and the manner in which this situation occurred as it stands", per public broadcaster. Interior Official Leon Schreiber commented that while Palestinian passport-holders qualified for 90-day visa-exempt access to the nation, the non-existence of passport endorsements, return tickets or housing locations in various of the individuals' papers caused the initial refusal to permit their entry to the country. After it was established that the lack of this data "was not evidence that the individuals wished to request protection" and their accommodation was confirmed, they were allowed in. "Every one of the travellers are in ownership of legitimate passports and, now, not one of them have sought protection," he confirmed. Support Assistance Domestic aid group has said it will supply the group with housing in the territory. Non-governmental organizations in South Africa have called for examinations into the situation the Palestinian nationals had left in Gaza and the precise path of the aircraft. An individual of the Palestinians who spoke to South African news expressed his thankfulness to be in South Africa, portraying it as a country of "harmony, laws and justice". "We came from the Gaza Strip where we've faced danger on every day. We have lived through a hostilities of an extended period and we are fortunate to be in this place," stated one man who had escaped with his partner and offspring. Concerns and Requests for Action The charity group has subsequently demanded Ramaphosa to examine the home affairs ministry and immigration officials for the "humiliation they've inflicted" the travelers. The organization's director said this handling consisted of being made to stay for a long time on the airport area at the terminal, being prevented from receiving nourishment offered by the organization and "employing all possible reasons in the guide to prevent these passengers from exiting the aircraft". Long-standing Advocacy The nation has been sharply disapproving of Israel's armed campaign in the Gaza Strip. The state's solidarity for the Palestinian cause for an self-governing country extends many years, particularly the start of the last decade when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela committed backing for the Palestinian struggle. Significant supporting Palestine protests have been conducted around South Africa since the hostilities started. Smaller pro-Israel marches and events have been held in the state, which hosts the biggest Jewish community in the continent. In the previous year, the national administration filed a legal action against the Israeli government with the International Court of Justice, accusing it of systematic destruction in Gaza. Israel has categorically refused the allegation, calling it "without foundation".