South Africa's Controversial Handling of Palestinian Passengers

On November 13, 2025, South African authorities detained 153 Palestinian passengers aboard a chartered flight at O.R. Tambo International Airport for approximately 12 hours. The passengers were held due to a lack of Israeli exit stamps in their passports, which led immigration officials to question their entry into the country. South African Border Police stated that the passengers had not provided local addresses or indicated the duration of their stay, although none expressed a desire to seek asylum.

The situation escalated until South African President Cyril Ramaphosa intervened, allowing the passengers to disembark under the country's standard 90-day visa exemption policy. Ramaphosa criticized Israel's role in the incident, suggesting that the passengers were "being flushed out." The Ministry of Home Affairs eventually facilitated their entry, with the local non-governmental organization Gift of the Givers providing accommodation for those who remained in South Africa.

However, the incident drew significant criticism from various quarters. The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) questioned the legality of the passengers' entry, emphasizing that it appeared to breach South African immigration laws. ACDP officials expressed concern over the government's swift response to Palestinian issues while neglecting pressing domestic challenges, such as crime and poverty.

Legality and motives behind arrival of 153 Gazans in South Africa questioned

The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa accused an organization named Al-Majd of orchestrating the travel arrangements for the passengers, labeling it as "unregistered and misleading." They claimed that Al-Majd exploited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, deceiving families and collecting money under false pretenses. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola acknowledged suspicions regarding the circumstances of the flight and stated that the government is investigating the matter.

Reports indicated that the passengers had initially believed they were being relocated to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, or India. However, once in South Africa, they found that promised accommodations were only booked for a limited time, leading to concerns about their future.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about immigration policies and humanitarian responsibilities. Critics argue that the South African government should have been more vigilant regarding the entry of the passengers, questioning why they traveled thousands of kilometers to South Africa instead of utilizing closer Arab-speaking nations.

Legality and motives behind arrival of 153 Gazans in South Africa questioned

In contrast, supporters of the passengers emphasize the need for compassion and support for those fleeing conflict. The South African government is currently conducting an investigation into the flight's organization and the passengers' circumstances, as the situation continues to unfold.

“When I came onto the plane, it was excruciatingly hot. There were lots of children just sweating and screaming and crying.” — Nigel Branken, Pastor

“Israel always ensures in advance that a country has agreed to receive each of the Gazans.” — Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT)

“ "These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and came here," he said.” — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa

“The families of this first group told us yesterday their family members are coming on a second plane, and nobody knew about that plane.” — Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of Gift of the Givers

The South African government is expected to release findings from its investigation into the flight and the role of Al-Majd. The situation remains fluid as discussions continue regarding the future of the passengers and the implications for South Africa's immigration policies.