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The nation's leader Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an investigation will be conducted into the puzzling arrival of a chartered plane bringing 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the territory.

Initial Entry Refusal

The travelers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally refused entry and remained in the plane for in excess of 10 hours as they "were missing the customary departure stamps in their travel documents", local authorities confirmed.

Most were eventually granted entry after assistance from a South African aid group and because of the administration's "understanding [and] humanity", Ramaphosa stated.

The circumstances of their departure from the Gaza Strip and travel to South Africa are still unknown.

Diplomatic Context

South Africa has maintained firm backing for the Palestinian rights throughout the war between the Hamas organization and the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa commented the group "somehow unexplainably were put on a jet that traveled through Nairobi" and continued to the country.

"The travelers exited the Gaza territory after receiving authorization from a another state to receive them," announced an government agency that manages Gaza's crossings.

Diplomatic Statement

Per the Palestinian embassy in the country, the group departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and journeyed to the state via the Kenyan capital, "without any previous coordination or arrangement".

A declaration from the diplomatic mission stated "a non-official and false organization [had] taken advantage of the tragic humanitarian conditions of our nationals in the Gaza Strip, misled individuals, took payments from them, and organized their journey in an improper and careless way".

Current Circumstances

Among the 153 travelers, 23 succeeded to fly on to different places, resulting in 130 who were admitted into the territory, South African authorities confirm.

Ramaphosa, addressing during an gathering in Johannesburg, mentioned he was informed of the unfolding issue by the government representative.

In reaction, the head of state stated "we are unable to send them away", according to local media.

"Although they do not have the required documents and records, these are persons from a strife-torn, a war-torn nation," he added.

Administrative Action

The leader also stated to reporters the national administration would carry out a "thorough evaluation" of the situation and update the people on "what is happening and how this matter developed as it stands", according to national media.

Government Representative Leon Schreiber stated that while individuals with Palestinian documents met requirements for 90-day visa-exempt entry to the country, the absence of passport endorsements, return tickets or accommodation addresses in certain of the individuals' records resulted in the first refusal to allow them into the country.

After it was established that the lack of this information "did not indicate that the travellers intended to request asylum" and their accommodation was verified, they were permitted to enter.

"All of the individuals are in holding of legitimate identification papers and, currently, none of them have sought refuge," he said.

Support Assistance

Domestic aid group has announced it will provide the passengers with housing in the country.

Non-governmental organizations in South Africa have requested examinations into the circumstances the individuals had left in Gaza and the precise path of the plane.

An individual of the Palestinian nationals who communicated with local media shared his relief to be in South Africa, describing it as a nation of "tranquility, laws and fairness".

"We came from Gaza where we've faced danger on regularly. We have survived a conflict of an extended period and we are blessed to be here," remarked an individual who had escaped with his partner and offspring.

Criticism and Requests for Accountability

The charity group has afterwards requested Ramaphosa to look into the interior department and immigration officials for the "humiliation they've inflicted" the Palestinians.

The foundation's founder stated this handling consisted of being made to remain for a long time on the airport area at the airport, being refused meals offered by the charity and "employing every excuse in the manual to prevent these passengers from leaving the plane".

Long-standing Support

The nation has been strongly opposed of the Israeli defense actions in the Gaza Strip.

The nation's solidarity for the Palestinian cause for an independent state goes back a long time, particularly the early 1990s when historical figure Nelson Mandela vowed assistance for the Palestinian rights.

Substantial supporting Palestine demonstrations have been organized across South Africa since the war started.

More limited pro-Israel marches and rallies have been held in the state, which hosts the largest Jewish residents in sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2023, the country's leadership submitted a legal action against the Israeli government with the world court, alleging it of mass killing in Gaza. The Israeli government has firmly denied the allegation, calling it "unsubstantiated".