South African authorities have opened an investigation into the unexpected arrival of 153 Palestinians from Gaza on a chartered flight that landed at OR Tambo International Airport without prior clearance.

The passengers were detained on the tarmac for more than 10 hours due to missing departure stamps and incomplete travel documentation, before government intervention allowed most to enter the country.

The flight originated from Israel’s Ramon Airport and transited through Nairobi before reaching Johannesburg. Immigration officials initially refused entry, citing the absence of departure stamps, return tickets, and accommodation details. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber later confirmed that Palestinian passport holders qualify for 90-day visa-free access, but said the irregularities raised security concerns. After verification that the group was not seeking asylum and accommodation was secured, 130 were admitted, while 23 continued to other destinations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa described the incident as an “unfolding crisis” and emphasized South Africa’s humanitarian stance. “We cannot turn them back – these are people from a strife-torn country,” he said, pledging a full evaluation and public update. The Palestinian embassy in Pretoria blamed an “unregistered, misleading organization” for exploiting Gaza’s hardships and facilitating irregular travel.

Israel’s military liaison body, COGAT, stated that the Palestinians left Gaza with approval from a third country, though it did not specify which. Kenya, the transit point, has not commented despite inquiries. Local humanitarian group Gift of the Givers provided accommodation, with founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman criticizing the prolonged detention as “humiliation.” One passenger told eNCA, “We survived two years of war – South Africa is peace, laws, and justice.”

The episode comes as South Africa prepares to host the G20 summit, heightening scrutiny of immigration protocols. The country’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, rooted in Nelson Mandela’s era and reinforced by its 2023 genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, has shaped public reaction. Large pro-Palestine marches continue to contrast with smaller pro-Israel rallies in South Africa’s diverse society.

Civil society groups are now calling for deeper investigations into conditions in Gaza and the circumstances of the flight. The government’s handling of the incident is expected to be closely watched as the summit approaches.