South Africa Probes Mysterious Plane of Palestinians, Says Cyril Ramaphosa
South Africa is currently investigating a mysterious plane carrying Palestinian travellers. This follows the arrival of several Palestinians in the country amid ongoing turmoil in Gaza.
Entry Issues Faced by Palestinian Travellers
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber revealed that Palestinian passport-holders are eligible for 90 days of visa-free access to South Africa. However, some travellers encountered entry challenges due to incomplete documentation.
- Lack of departure stamps
- Absence of return tickets
- No defined accommodation addresses
Initially, these issues led to refusals at the border. Eventually, authorities confirmed that the missing information did not imply a desire to seek asylum. All travellers possessed valid passports and have not applied for asylum.
Support from Local Organizations
The South African charity Gift of the Givers has stepped in to provide accommodation for the Palestinian group. This support comes amid rising calls for an investigation into the treatment endured by these individuals upon arrival.
Concerns Raised by Civil Society
South African civil societies are demanding inquiries into the Palestinian refugees’ conditions in Gaza and the plane’s journey. One Palestinian expressed gratitude for reaching South Africa, describing it as a land of peace and justice. He stated, “We came from Gaza where we’ve faced death on a daily basis.” This sentiment was echoed by others who survived immense hardships during two years of war.
Calls for Accountability
Gift of the Givers founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, criticized the treatment given to the Palestinians. He described incidents where passengers were forced to wait on the tarmac for an extended period. Furthermore, he claimed they were denied food provided by the organization.
South Africa’s Stance on the Gaza Conflict
South Africa has long been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, a sentiment rooted in its history. Nelson Mandela vowed support for Palestine in the early 1990s, paving the way for longstanding solidarity.
Political Actions and Protests
The country has witnessed significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the latest conflict erupted. Meanwhile, smaller pro-Israel rallies have also taken place. In 2023, the South African government took the unprecedented step of filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza. Israel has firmly dismissed these allegations, calling them baseless.
