Summary
South Africa allowed 153 Palestinian passengers to leave a plane at OR Tambo International Airport after they were held for nearly 12 hours. Initially, the passengers could not enter the country because their passports were missing exit stamps, and they had not declared how long they would stay. Once a humanitarian group agreed to provide accommodation, the passengers were permitted to enter.
Key Facts
- 153 Palestinian passengers were kept on an airplane in South Africa for almost 12 hours.
- South African border police stopped them because their passports lacked exit stamps.
- The passengers did not specify their length of stay or accommodation plans in South Africa.
- The South African Home Affairs Ministry let them enter after a humanitarian group promised to help with housing.
- The plane, run by Global Airways from Kenya, incidentally arrived on a second flight with more passengers.
- 130 Palestinians entered South Africa, while 23 continued to other destinations.
- Gift of the Givers, a humanitarian organization, provided aid and accommodation.
- Passengers spoke of leaving their belongings behind in Gaza under Israeli orders.
