South Africa’s immigration authorities are under intense scrutiny following a prolonged incident at a major international airport where over 150 Palestinian nationals, among them numerous children and a woman in the late stages of pregnancy, were confined aboard an aircraft for approximately half a day.
The group arrived on a charter flight at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. According to official statements, border officials refused the passengers entry due to irregularities in their travel paperwork. The cited issues included a lack of Israeli exit stamps, unspecified durations of stay, and missing local address details within South Africa.
A clergy member permitted to board the stationary aircraft described conditions as severe, reporting extreme heat and distressed children. The situation persisted until evening, when intervention from the national Department of Home Affairs, coupled with an offer of temporary shelter from a humanitarian NGO, facilitated the passengers’ disembarkation. Reports indicate a portion of the travelers have since departed for other destinations, while the remainder are now in South Africa.
The founder of the assisting aid organization noted this marks the second such arrival from Gaza in recent weeks, with passengers reportedly expressing uncertainty about their final destinations. Questions remain regarding the flight’s organization and the circumstances under which the passengers departed their point of origin.
The clergyman involved stated many of the individuals now intend to seek asylum. The handling of the situation has drawn significant public criticism, given South Africa’s historical diplomatic stance in support of Palestinian rights. Critics argue the treatment contravened fundamental principles of dignity and the right to seek protection, as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.