Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

153 Palestinian Refugees Arrive in South Africa After Delays

11/16/2025

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On November 13, 2025, 153 Palestinian refugees arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, after a journey from Gaza via Kenya.
They faced a 12-hour delay due to missing exit stamps allegedly withheld by Israeli authorities.
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa) intervened to facilitate entry.
Gift of the Givers assists the 130 admitted refugees.
Twenty-three refugees were redirected to other destinations.

History

Historical Context

The 1948 Palestinian Exodus, during the Arab-Israeli War, forced approximately 700,000 Palestinians to flee their homes, leading to the establishment of refugee camps in neighboring countries. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) was created in 1949 to assist these refugees. The recent arrival of 153 Palestinian refugees in Johannesburg highlights ongoing challenges related to displacement and humanitarian response.

1 of 2

Story summary

On November 13, 2025, 153 Palestinian refugees arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, after a journey from Gaza via Kenya.
They faced a 12-hour delay due to missing exit stamps allegedly withheld by Israeli authorities.
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa) intervened to facilitate entry.
Gift of the Givers assists the 130 admitted refugees.
Twenty-three refugees were redirected to other destinations.

1 / 2