South Africa has announced it will no longer accept charter flights carrying Palestinians following the recent controversial arrival of 153 passengers from Gaza. Authorities expressed concerns that the flights may be part of “a clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank,” according to Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.
Confusion Over the Arrival
The Palestinian embassy in South Africa stated that the group left Israel’s Ramon Airport and flew via Nairobi, Kenya, without prior coordination. The embassy accused an “unregistered and misleading organization” of exploiting Gaza residents, collecting money, and facilitating irregular travel.
When the flight landed at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, passengers were initially denied entry for more than 10 hours because their passports lacked departure stamps. South Africa allows Palestinians to travel to the country for 90 days without a visa.
Following intervention by a local charity, 130 passengers were allowed to disembark. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the decision as an act of “empathy and compassion.”
Broader Concerns
Lamola suggested that Thursday’s flight could be part of a wider operation moving Palestinians to multiple countries. Details of other destinations were not disclosed, and South African authorities are investigating the matter.
Two weeks prior, a plane carrying 176 Palestinians had arrived in Johannesburg, with some passengers traveling onward to other countries.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed resettling Gaza residents “voluntarily,” a plan criticized by Palestinians, human rights groups, and the international community.
Historical Context
South Africa has historically supported the Palestinian cause, dating back to Nelson Mandela’s era. Large pro-Palestinian rallies have been held across the country, especially since the recent conflict in Gaza.
In 2023, South Africa filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel has called “baseless.”
Moving Forward
South Africa’s decision to suspend the arrival of further charter flights highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and legality of such operations. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Palestinian embassy to manage arrivals responsibly.