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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that an investigation will be initiated into the mysterious landing of a private aircraft carrying 153 individuals from Palestine from Gaza into the territory.

Initial Access Refusal

The passengers arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first blocked from entering and were forced to stay in the plane for more than 10 hours as they "lacked the standard exit markings in their identification papers", government officials confirmed.

A large portion were eventually allowed in after assistance from a local charity and because of the administration's "compassion [and] compassion", Ramaphosa stated.

The details of their leaving from the Gaza Strip and travel to South Africa are still unknown.

International Context

The country has maintained strong support for the Palestinian cause throughout the conflict between Hamas and the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa commented the passengers "in some way mysteriously were placed aboard a jet that traveled through Nairobi" and flew to the country.

"The residents left the Gaza Strip after obtaining clearance from a another state to receive them," announced an defense organization that controls Gaza's entry-exit locations.

Official Statement

Based on the Palestinian embassy in South Africa, the travelers exited a facility in Israel and flew to the country via the Kenyan capital, "lacking previous coordination or arrangement".

A statement from the official office claimed "an unregistered and misleading entity [had] exploited the difficult living situation of our nationals in the Gaza Strip, tricked individuals, collected money from them, and arranged their movement in an unorthodox and careless way".

Latest Status

From the 153 passengers, 23 managed to travel to different places, resulting in 130 who were allowed into the territory, South African authorities confirm.

Ramaphosa, speaking during an function in Johannesburg, stated he was notified of the unfolding issue by the home affairs minister.

In response, the head of state declared "we cannot turn them back", per local media.

"Even though they are without the required identification and records, these are individuals from a strife-torn, a battle-scarred nation," he remarked.

Government Measures

The president also informed media representatives the national administration would perform a "thorough evaluation" of the matter and update the public on "ongoing events and how this situation occurred as it stands", according to government television.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber commented that while Palestinian passport-holders met requirements for 90-day visa-free entry to South Africa, the absence of departure stamps, homeward journeys or residence details in various of the individuals' documentation resulted in the first denial to allow them into the country.

Once it was established that the absence of this data "did not indicate that the travellers wanted to apply for protection" and their lodging was confirmed, they were allowed in.

"All of the travellers are in holding of legitimate identification papers and, now, not one of them have applied for protection," he confirmed.

Humanitarian Assistance

Domestic aid group has said it will supply the travelers with housing in the territory.

Community groups in the country have requested investigations into the situation the individuals had fled in the Gaza Strip and the exact path of the aircraft.

An individual of the Palestinians who spoke to domestic television voiced his gratitude to be in the country, characterizing it as a nation of "tranquility, regulations and equity".

"We traveled from Gaza where we've faced danger on every day. We have survived a war of 24 months and we are lucky to be here," said an individual who had departed with his spouse and offspring.

Concerns and Calls for Accountability

The aid foundation has subsequently demanded Ramaphosa to investigate the home affairs ministry and border authority for the "humiliation they've caused" the travelers.

The foundation's founder claimed this conduct included being made to wait for a long time on the tarmac at the airport, being prevented from receiving food provided by the organization and "utilizing all possible reasons in the book to block these passengers from exiting the aircraft".

Traditional Support

The country has been strongly opposed of the nation's military operation in Gaza.

The nation's sympathy for the Palestinian cause for an independent state extends many years, particularly the early 1990s when national hero Nelson Mandela committed assistance for the Palestinian struggle.

Large pro-Palestinian protests have been conducted across the country since the war commenced.

Smaller supporting Israel marches and gatherings have been held in the country, which hosts the largest Jewish population in the continent.

In 2023, the national administration lodged a legal action against the Israeli government with the world court, alleging it of mass killing in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has strongly rejected the South African claim, labeling it "without foundation".