South Africa Frees 153 Palestinians After 12-Hour Plane Standoff

URGENT UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, South African authorities have just authorized the disembarkation of 153 Palestinians after they were held on a plane for 12 hours at O.R. Tambo International Airport. The passengers, who landed shortly after 8 a.m. (0600 GMT) on Thursday, were initially barred from leaving the aircraft due to missing departure stamps in their passports.

Authorities confirmed that the passengers were not allowed to disembark as none expressed an intention to apply for asylum. The situation escalated when the Home Affairs Ministry intervened after the NGO Gift of the Givers assured accommodation for the group. Of the total, 130 individuals entered South Africa, while 23 passengers awaited onward travel to other destinations.

The charter flight was operated by Global Airways and originated from Kenya. However, the conditions under which the Palestinians left their home country remain unclear. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, stated during a broadcast that he had no information on who chartered the flight, adding that a previous plane with 176 Palestinians had arrived on October 28, 2023.

“The families of this first group told us yesterday their family members are coming on a second plane and nobody knew about that plane,” Sooliman explained. He emphasized the need for the government to investigate how people are arriving on chartered flights without proper documentation, as their passports were reportedly not stamped by Israel, leaving them in a precarious legal status.

This incident highlights the growing complexities surrounding the Palestinian cause in South Africa, a nation that has historically supported their plight. In 2023, the South African government filed a case against Israel with the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza.

As the situation develops, the focus shifts to the implications for future arrivals and the broader diplomatic relations between South Africa and Israel. The urgency of this matter cannot be understated, as many are questioning the legality and humanitarian aspects of such flights.

Stay tuned for more updates as authorities continue to address this unfolding crisis and further revelations about these chartered flights emerge.