South Africa Launches Investigation into Arrival of Palestinian Passengers

Fri Nov 14 2025 18:55:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa orders an inquiry into the surprise arrival of 153 Palestinians on a chartered flight, raising questions about their journey and documentation.

After the unexpected landing of a chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza at OR Tambo International Airport, South African authorities, under President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive, are investigating the circumstances of their influx. The passengers were initially denied entry due to insufficient documentation but were later allowed in with the help of a local charity. Prompted by the humanitarian context, the South African government expresses its commitment to support the refugees as it unravels the mystery of their flight path and prior conditions.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced an investigation into the recent arrival of a chartered plane transporting 153 Palestinians from Gaza. The plane landed at OR Tambo International Airport but faced challenges upon arrival, as the passengers were initially denied entry due to the absence of customary departure stamps in their passports. They remained on the aircraft for over 10 hours before being allowed to disembark, thanks in part to humanitarian interventions from local charity organizations.

Ramaphosa indicated that the South African government acted out of empathy and compassion, ultimately permitting most of the group to enter the country. However, the circumstances surrounding their travel from Gaza remain unclear. The President noted that the group had been transported via Nairobi, and further investigation is needed to understand how the arrangements transpired without official protocol.

The Israeli military's Cogat unit, which oversees Gaza's crossings, confirmed that permission for the passengers to leave was granted by a third country. Nevertheless, the Palestinian embassy in South Africa called for scrutiny, alleging that a misleading organization exploited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, enabling the Palestinians to travel in unjust conditions. Following disembarkation, 23 individuals from the group went on to other destinations, leaving 130 in South Africa.

Ramaphosa shared his awareness of the unfolding situation from the Home Affairs Minister during a Johannesburg event, emphasizing the government's commitment to not turn away individuals from a war-torn region despite their lack of documentation. He stated, Even though they do not have the necessary documents and papers, these are people from a strife-torn, a war-torn country.\

The South African charity Gift of the Givers has pledged to provide accommodation and support for the group. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are pressing for clarity regarding the flight circumstances and the conditions from which these refugees fled.

Officials have clarified that all travelers possessed valid passports, and though they initially lacked return tickets or accommodation details, confirmation facilitated their entry into the country. Ramaphosa expressed a commitment to evaluate the circumstances comprehensively and keep the public informed regarding developments.