South Africa grants entry to 153 Palestinian passengers after 12-hour airport hold
South African authorities permitted 153 Palestinian passengers to leave a chartered plane after being held on board for nearly 12 hours at OR Tambo International Airport. Authorities had initially denied entry because the passengers’ passports lacked departure stamps and they had not provided accommodation details.
The passengers were allowed to disembark after the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers guaranteed to provide lodging during their stay.
Of the 153 passengers, 130 entered South Africa, while 23 transferred to other destinations.
This was the second chartered flight of Palestinians arriving in South Africa in recent weeks. Many passengers reported being ordered by Israeli authorities to leave belongings behind before boarding the flight. The incident sparked public outrage in South Africa, which is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause.
Humanitarian groups are now stepping in to provide additional support to the visitors, many of whom have endured years of conflict in Gaza.
